Returning Home

Luke 15: 11 - 32

This extremely popular story of Jesus’ is set in the daily life of Palestinian Jews in the first century. Generations of Christian artists have produce works depicting this story in music (check out "Growing Young" in Rich Mullins website)or on canvas. Younger sons could expect to inherit half of what the eldest son would inherit from the father. More often than not, however, those interpreting this passage miss including one of the major characters in their explanation. We will look at them each, and study the passage in its context, to best understand how to apply the principles Jesus is teaching in these stories to our lives. Please join the conversation through comments.

When is a time in your life you most felt like you were heading home? Develop for me the character of the younger son in the story. Why does the younger son leave his home in the first place? What causes him to go through such a radical personal transformation? What transformation do you need in your life? What circumstances, memories, and experiences in your life are being used to guide you towards repentance?

What do we discover about the father throughout this story? What phrases or scenes in particular reveal the father’s worldview? Why is the father so generous with the younger son when he returns? What is Jesus saying about his Father in this description? Spend some time thanking God for the mercy he demonstrates to those who have made bad choices in their lives.

How would you describe the older son in the story? Why is he so concerned about the mercy his father is showing to the younger son? What evidence demonstrates his concerns are either legitimate or ill-conceived? How well do his arguments resonate with your own attitudes and perspectives? Describe the answer his father gives him. Do you think he finally goes into the party, Why? How can we as Christians become less judgmental of those who are coming to God for mercy?

Compare and contrast this story with the stories from last week. How do the characters in the story parallel those involved in Jesus’ ministry? How can we be sure we respond to God more in a spirit of humble repentance than with an attitude of haughty superiority?