FOCUS
- Have you ever wanted to “run away” from your situation (mentally, physically, and /or emotionally)?
- Have you ever felt lost in your life? What did it feel like? How did you know you were found again?
- When have you been overly extravagant on yourself and selfish because you felt you “deserved it”? What “brought you to your senses”?
The Characters: A younger son/brother, who is selfishly extravagant or a spend-thrift , but expects to be rescued from his foolishness; an older son/brother who is resentful and angry, and a father who is generous and loving to both sons.
The Plot: The title of this story, the “Prodigal” or Lost Son, gives clues to the plot. It is a human story carrying a deeper message of God’s grace for its own time and for today. It could also be called: “The parable of the father’s love.” One way to gain insight into the story is to examine the characters and/or the plot.
EXPLORE
- In Luke 15:2, the Pharisees grumbled when they heard Jesus teaching in this way: “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” How does this verse set the stage for the 3 parables that follow: the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son?
- Why do you think that the prodigal son decided to leave home? What made him think about returning?
- What kind of reasoning did the prodigal son use to “justify” his return? Do you think he really felt repentant?
- Were you surprised about the older brother/son’s response to his brother’s return?
- How was the father’s behavior alike/different toward each of his sons?
- Whom do you identify with in the story? Why or why not?
- Where are you in your spiritual journey? Is your character or your spiritual story similar to or different from this story?
- Where do you experience generous love and grace?
- As a Child of God, how do you respond to God’s extravagant love and grace?
