Main Thought
In the story of the Prodigal (or Lost) Son, there are three characters. A rebellious son, a self-righteous son, and a father who loves them both. The younger, rebellious son tried to control his life by breaking all the rules. The eldest, self-righteous son tried to gain control by keeping all the rules. Both sons missed the mark. Both of them were lost and in need of reconciliation. “Reconciliation” can be defined as the restoration of friendly relations. The drama caused by these two sons can cause us to lose sight of the main character of the story: the loving father. His extravagant love is the true source of reconciliation. We need to be reconciled to our Heavenly Father, and we need reconciliation in our world.
Main Passages
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
- Luke 15:11-33
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Which son do you identify with more at this point of your life: the rebellious son, or the self-righteous son? What makes you say that?
People need to be reconciled to God. Then, the love we receive from God can help us bring reconciliation to our world. How can you help someone be reconciled to God on a personal level?
Family Questions
In this parable entitled the Prodigal Son, Jesus teaches us about the unconditional love that the father has for His children, you and I. It did not matter how either of the two sons hurt or disrespected the father, he still went out to his child to reconcile, or to restore friendly relations between. As we had been taught in previous weeks, the love that God has for us is the same love we should show to others. Is there someone, a sibling, a friend, or classmate, that you need to reconcile with? If so, who and how might you take the first step toward making that relationship friendly again?