"Children of the Living God" by Sinclair Ferguson
"Putting Amazing Back into Grace" by Michael Horton
"Renewal as a Way of Life: A Guide for Spiritual Growth" by Richard F. Lovelace
"The Jesus I Never Knew" by Phillip Yancey
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Another Point of View - The Older Brother
The father goes out to meet the older brother too, and now he speaks kindly to his son. The older brother knows nothing of the inner transformations and wanderings experienced by the younger brother, of his journey to distant parts, of his all and his new self-discovery. He sees only injustice. And this betrays the fact that he too had secretly dreamed of a freedom without limits, that his obedience has made him inwardly bitter, and that he has no awareness of the grace of being at home, of the true freedom that he enjoys as a son. "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours." (Luke 15:2)."
. . .
"The parable breaks off here; it tells us nothing about the older brother's reaction. Nor can it, because at this point the parable immediately passes over into reality. Jesus is using these words of the father to speak to the heart of the murmuring Pharisees and scribes who have grown indignant at his goodness to sinners (cf. Luke 15:2). It now becomes fully clear that Jesus identifies his goodness to sinners with the goodness of the father in the parable and that all the words attributed to the father are the words that he himself addresses to the righteous. The parable does not tell the story of some distant affair, but is about what is happening here and now through him. He is wooing the heart of his adversaries. He begs them to come in and to share his joy at this hour of homecoming and reconciliation. . . ."
From pages 208-209 in "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope BenedictXVI
. . .
"The parable breaks off here; it tells us nothing about the older brother's reaction. Nor can it, because at this point the parable immediately passes over into reality. Jesus is using these words of the father to speak to the heart of the murmuring Pharisees and scribes who have grown indignant at his goodness to sinners (cf. Luke 15:2). It now becomes fully clear that Jesus identifies his goodness to sinners with the goodness of the father in the parable and that all the words attributed to the father are the words that he himself addresses to the righteous. The parable does not tell the story of some distant affair, but is about what is happening here and now through him. He is wooing the heart of his adversaries. He begs them to come in and to share his joy at this hour of homecoming and reconciliation. . . ."
From pages 208-209 in "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope BenedictXVI
Another Point of View - The Younger Brother - 2
"For the Jews, the pig is an unclean animal, which means that the swine-heard is the expression of man's most extreme destitution. The totally free man has become a wretched slave.
At this point the "conversion" takes place. The prodigal son realizes he is lost - that at home he was free and that his father's servants are freer than he now is, who had once considered himself completely free. "He went into himself.", the Gospel says (Luke 15:17). As with the passage about the "far country," these words set the Church Fathers thinking philosophically: Living far away from home, from his origin, this man had also strayed far away from himself. He had lived away from the truth of his essence.
His change of heart, his "conversion" consists in his recognition of this, his realization that he has become alienated and wandered into truly "alien lands", and his return to himself. What he finds in himself, though, is the compass pointing toward the father, toward the true freedom of a "son."
From pages 204-205 of "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope Benedict XVI
At this point the "conversion" takes place. The prodigal son realizes he is lost - that at home he was free and that his father's servants are freer than he now is, who had once considered himself completely free. "He went into himself.", the Gospel says (Luke 15:17). As with the passage about the "far country," these words set the Church Fathers thinking philosophically: Living far away from home, from his origin, this man had also strayed far away from himself. He had lived away from the truth of his essence.
His change of heart, his "conversion" consists in his recognition of this, his realization that he has become alienated and wandered into truly "alien lands", and his return to himself. What he finds in himself, though, is the compass pointing toward the father, toward the true freedom of a "son."
From pages 204-205 of "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope Benedict XVI
Another Point of View - The Younger Brother
What does Pope Benedict say about the Prodigal Son parable?
The younger brother:
"Is it difficult for us to see clearly reflected here the spirit of the modern rebellion against God and God's law? The leaving behind of everything we once depended on and the will to a freedom without limits? The Greek word used in the parable for the property the son dissipates means "essence" in the vocabulary of Greek philosophy. The prodigal dissipates "his essence", himself.
At the end it is all gone. He who was once completely free is now truly a slave - a swineherd, who would be happy to be given pig feed to eat. Those who understand freedom as a radically arbitrary license to do just want they want and have their own way are living in a lie, for by his very nature, man is part of a shared existence and his freedom is a shared freedom. His very nature contains direction and norm, and becoming inwardly one with this direction and norm is what freedom is all about His false autonomy thus leads to slavery.
From page 204 of "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope Benedict XVI
The younger brother:
"Is it difficult for us to see clearly reflected here the spirit of the modern rebellion against God and God's law? The leaving behind of everything we once depended on and the will to a freedom without limits? The Greek word used in the parable for the property the son dissipates means "essence" in the vocabulary of Greek philosophy. The prodigal dissipates "his essence", himself.
At the end it is all gone. He who was once completely free is now truly a slave - a swineherd, who would be happy to be given pig feed to eat. Those who understand freedom as a radically arbitrary license to do just want they want and have their own way are living in a lie, for by his very nature, man is part of a shared existence and his freedom is a shared freedom. His very nature contains direction and norm, and becoming inwardly one with this direction and norm is what freedom is all about His false autonomy thus leads to slavery.
From page 204 of "Jesus of Nazareth" by Pope Benedict XVI
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The Lighter Side - The Older Brother
On the Lighter Side
How to Get Into Heaven
A man dies and meets St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. Peter says to the man, "Here's how it works. You need to have one hundred points to get into heaven. You tell me about all the good things you've done. They are all worth a certain number of points. If your total is one hundred or more, you can come in."
"Well," says the man. "I was happily married to the same woman for 52 years. I never looked at another woman. I was attentive and loved her dearly."
"That's great," says St. Peter. "That'll be two points."
"Hmmm," says the man. "This is going to be harder than I thought. Well, I attended church regularly, volunteered my time and tithed faithfully."
"Wonderful," says St. Peter, "That's worth another point."
"One point!" says the man. "Okay, okay. I was involved with a prison ministry for twenty-five years. I went into the prison, at least monthly, and shared Jesus with them."
"Wow!" says St. Peter. "That's another two points!"
"Only two points!" says the man. "At this rate, it'll be by the grace of God that'll I'll ever get into this place."
"Bingo!" says St. Peter. "That's one hundred points! Come on in."
How to Get Into Heaven
A man dies and meets St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. Peter says to the man, "Here's how it works. You need to have one hundred points to get into heaven. You tell me about all the good things you've done. They are all worth a certain number of points. If your total is one hundred or more, you can come in."
"Well," says the man. "I was happily married to the same woman for 52 years. I never looked at another woman. I was attentive and loved her dearly."
"That's great," says St. Peter. "That'll be two points."
"Hmmm," says the man. "This is going to be harder than I thought. Well, I attended church regularly, volunteered my time and tithed faithfully."
"Wonderful," says St. Peter, "That's worth another point."
"One point!" says the man. "Okay, okay. I was involved with a prison ministry for twenty-five years. I went into the prison, at least monthly, and shared Jesus with them."
"Wow!" says St. Peter. "That's another two points!"
"Only two points!" says the man. "At this rate, it'll be by the grace of God that'll I'll ever get into this place."
"Bingo!" says St. Peter. "That's one hundred points! Come on in."
The Lighter Side - The Younger Brother
On the Lighter Side
Letter from a Prodigal Son?
Dear folks,
I feel miserable because I have to keep writing for money. I feel ashamed and unhappy to have to ask for another hundred, but every cell in my body rebels. I beg on bended knee that you forgive me.
Your son, Marvin.
P.S. I felt so terrible I ran after the mailman who picked this up in the box at the corner. I wanted to take this letter and burn it. I prayed that I could get it back. But it was too late.
A few days later Marvin received a letter from his father. It said, 'Your prayers were answered. Your letter never came!'
Letter from a Prodigal Son?
Dear folks,
I feel miserable because I have to keep writing for money. I feel ashamed and unhappy to have to ask for another hundred, but every cell in my body rebels. I beg on bended knee that you forgive me.
Your son, Marvin.
P.S. I felt so terrible I ran after the mailman who picked this up in the box at the corner. I wanted to take this letter and burn it. I prayed that I could get it back. But it was too late.
A few days later Marvin received a letter from his father. It said, 'Your prayers were answered. Your letter never came!'
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Timothy Keller talks about idols
Here's a short talk by Rev. Timothy Keller about idols:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtdMKjohR8&feature=related
What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEtdMKjohR8&feature=related
What do you think?
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Music
Arms of Love - Amy Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCh-_ktGvMA&feature=PlayList&p=DA3E44C188E7AC22&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=19
Testify to God's Love - Psalm 151 - Wynonna Judd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtkhD45H1Ts
You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) - Josh Groban
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLSk3AVcUU
You Raise Me Up - The Lion King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuPR41Ab_34
My Father's Eyes - Eric Clapton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwMvlPu4Qw&feature=related
Amazing Grace - Judy Collins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHpye0M34JQ
Personal Jesus: Johnny Cash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQcNiD0Z3MU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCh-_ktGvMA&feature=PlayList&p=DA3E44C188E7AC22&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=19
Testify to God's Love - Psalm 151 - Wynonna Judd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtkhD45H1Ts
You Are Loved (Don't Give Up) - Josh Groban
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGLSk3AVcUU
You Raise Me Up - The Lion King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuPR41Ab_34
My Father's Eyes - Eric Clapton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwMvlPu4Qw&feature=related
Amazing Grace - Judy Collins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHpye0M34JQ
Personal Jesus: Johnny Cash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQcNiD0Z3MU
Monday, March 15, 2010
Week 6 Discussion Question 10
In ancient times a feast had more dimensions to it than merely eating. It was a time to sing, dance, reunite with long-lost friends, renew relationships, celebrate community, and so on.
What joys do you most anticipate at the feast of the father?
What joys do you most anticipate at the feast of the father?
Week 6 Discussion Question 9
The book mentions four things we need in order to have a foretaste of future salvation now – prayer, service to others, changes to our inner nature through the Gospel, and healed relationships that Christ can give.
Which one of these do you hunger for most and why?
Which one of these do you hunger for most and why?
Week 6 Discussion Question 8
“[T]here is no way you will be able to grow spiritually apart from a deep involvement in a community of other believers.] (p. 125)
Why is this true?
(See: page 127)
Why is this true?
(See: page 127)
Week 6 Discussion Question 7
“Behavioral compliance to rules without heart-change will be superficial and fleeting.” (p.119)
Have you found this to be true in your own experience? How then is real, lasting change possible? (See: pages 118-119)
Have you found this to be true in your own experience? How then is real, lasting change possible? (See: pages 118-119)
Week 6 Discussion Question 6
Do you agree with Martin Luther that “religion” is the default mode of the human heart? In what ways can “religion” be an obstacle for us as we seek to obey Christ? (See: p. 115)
Week 6 Discussion Question 5
“The ultimate purpose of [Jesus’ life and death] is not only individual salvation and pardon from sins but also the renewal of this world, the end of disease, poverty, injustice, violence, suffering, and death.” (p. 110)
In what ways can you be part of God’s plan to renew all of creation? (See: page 112)
In what ways can you be part of God’s plan to renew all of creation? (See: page 112)
Week 6 Discussion Question 4
[Jesus’] love can become more real to you than the love of anyone else. It can delight, galvanize, and console you.” (page 108)
How has Jesus’ love delighted, galvanized or consoled you or someone you know?
How has Jesus’ love delighted, galvanized or consoled you or someone you know?
Week 6 Discussion Questions 2 and 3
2. What positive images come to mind when you hear the word "home"?
Comments made by class members included seeing "home" as a place where you are always welcome and can be yourself, also realizing that not everyone has had a positive experience in their homes. Having a home gives one a sense of security, belonging and healthy attachment to others. People, such as children who grow up in a series of foster homes, miss the experience of having one home that provides them with these benefits and have difficulty later one because of this lack.
The book talks about "home" as powerful, yet elusive concept.
"The strong feelings that surround it reveal some deep longing within us for a place that absolutely fits and suits us, where we can be, or perhaps find, our true selves.Yet it seems that no place or actual family ever satisfies these yearnings. . ."
"The Prodigal God" pages 91-92
In this way, Rev. Keller sees the human race as exiles, always yearning to be home, always traveling, but never arriving.
3. How is our longing for home explained by the biblical narrative of creation > fall > redemption > restoration?
Creation
(See: pages 95-96)
In Genesis, we are told we were created to live in a garden with God, where there was no parting from love, no decay or disease because it was life in the face of God, in his presence.
Fall
(See: page 96)
But we chafed under God's authority. We wanted to live without God's interference. So we turned away, became alienated from him,and lost our home for the same reason the younger brother lost his. The result was exile.
In this way, we became wandering spiritual exiles who are living in a world that does not fit our deepest longings.
Redemption
(See: pages 101-102)
Jesus came to save all of us from sin, evil and death itself. He came to bring the human race Home by taking upon himself the full curse of human rebellion and cosmic homelessness.
Restoration
(See: pages 102-103)
At the end of history, the whole earth will become the Garden of Eden again, where the father will meet us, embrace us, and bring us into a feast that is beyond our imagining.
Comments made by class members included seeing "home" as a place where you are always welcome and can be yourself, also realizing that not everyone has had a positive experience in their homes. Having a home gives one a sense of security, belonging and healthy attachment to others. People, such as children who grow up in a series of foster homes, miss the experience of having one home that provides them with these benefits and have difficulty later one because of this lack.
The book talks about "home" as powerful, yet elusive concept.
"The strong feelings that surround it reveal some deep longing within us for a place that absolutely fits and suits us, where we can be, or perhaps find, our true selves.Yet it seems that no place or actual family ever satisfies these yearnings. . ."
"The Prodigal God" pages 91-92
In this way, Rev. Keller sees the human race as exiles, always yearning to be home, always traveling, but never arriving.
3. How is our longing for home explained by the biblical narrative of creation > fall > redemption > restoration?
Creation
(See: pages 95-96)
In Genesis, we are told we were created to live in a garden with God, where there was no parting from love, no decay or disease because it was life in the face of God, in his presence.
Fall
(See: page 96)
But we chafed under God's authority. We wanted to live without God's interference. So we turned away, became alienated from him,and lost our home for the same reason the younger brother lost his. The result was exile.
In this way, we became wandering spiritual exiles who are living in a world that does not fit our deepest longings.
Redemption
(See: pages 101-102)
Jesus came to save all of us from sin, evil and death itself. He came to bring the human race Home by taking upon himself the full curse of human rebellion and cosmic homelessness.
Restoration
(See: pages 102-103)
At the end of history, the whole earth will become the Garden of Eden again, where the father will meet us, embrace us, and bring us into a feast that is beyond our imagining.
Week 6 Discussion Question 1
If you had the opportunity to read Chapter 6 of "The Prodigal God" book, what was new to you or had an effect on you? Did you read anything that raised questions in your mind?
Week 5 Discussion Question 7
If Jesus is our true elder brother, how does this change our relationship with him?
Our worship?
Our service?
Our obedience?
Our view of the future?
Our worship?
Our service?
Our obedience?
Our view of the future?
Week 5 Discussion Question 6
What did it cost the father to bring his younger son home?
What did it cost the elder brother?
What did it cost to bring us home?
(See: pages 85 and 87).
What did it cost the elder brother?
What did it cost to bring us home?
(See: pages 85 and 87).
Week 5 Discussion Question 5
“Forgiveness always comes at a cost.” (p.83)
How can this truth be seen in the parable? In your own experience?
(See: p. 84)
How can this truth be seen in the parable? In your own experience?
(See: p. 84)
Week 5 Discussion Question 4
What would help you identify the “sin” under all your other sins”? How can you dismantle that particular sin beneath other sins?
Week 5 Discussion Question 3
“To truly become Christians we must also repent of the reasons we ever did anything right. Pharisees only repent of their sins, but Christians repent of the very roots of their righteousness too.” (p. 78)
How is this explanation different from the way most people understand repentance? How does this change the way you repent?
How is this explanation different from the way most people understand repentance? How does this change the way you repent?
Week 5 Discussion Question 2
“We will never find God until he first seeks us”. (page 75)
How has this been true in your own experience? Where in the Bible can we see this?
How has this been true in your own experience? Where in the Bible can we see this?
Week 5 Discussion Question 1
If you had the opportunity to read Chapter 5 of "The Prodigal God" book, what was new to you or had an effect on you? Did you read anything that raised questions in your mind?
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Week 4 Discussion Question 8
Look back at your answers to questions 2 and 3. Do you tend to behave more like a younger brother or an elder brother? Were there times in your life when you behaved more like one than the other?
Week 4 Discussion Question 7
How would the attitude of the older brother make it harder for the younger brother to come home? How can you keep this from happening in your own life and in your church?
Week 4 Discussion Question 6
If your motivation to do good is to earn God's favor, how does this affect the goodness of the action? (See: pages 59-60)
Week 4 Discussion Question 5
Richard Lovelace writes, “[People] who are no longer sure that God loves and accepts them in Jesus, apart from their present spiritual achievements, are subconsciously radically insecure persons.” (p.54)
Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?
Do you agree with this assessment? Why or why not?
Week 4 Discussion Question 4
"The first sign you have an elder brother spirit is when your life doesn't go as you want, you are aren't just sorrowful but deeply angry and bitter." (page 49)
What thoughts, feelings, and assumptions lead to such anger and bitterness?
(See: pages 49-50)
What thoughts, feelings, and assumptions lead to such anger and bitterness?
(See: pages 49-50)
Week 4 Discussion Question 3
How does the elder brother view . . .
Himself?
His brother?
His father?
At the start of the parable, how does the younger brother view . . .
Himself?
His brother?
His father?
Himself?
His brother?
His father?
At the start of the parable, how does the younger brother view . . .
Himself?
His brother?
His father?
Week 4 Discussion Question 2
Add to the elder brother characteristics from what you have read in Chapter 4 of the book.
Week 4 Discussion Question 1
If you had the opportunity to read Chapter 4 of "The Prodigal God" book, what was new to you or had an effect on you? Did you read anything that raised questions in your mind?
Week 3 Discussion Question 10
If you asked the average person on the street to define the word “sin”, what would they say? How does Jesus challenge this definition in the parable? (See: page 43)
Week 3 Discussion Question 9
Do you agree or disagree that being an elder brother is a more spiritually desperate condition than being a younger brother? Why? (See: pages 46-47)
Week 3 Discussion Question 8
Where does the elder brother find his significance and happiness? Where do we tend to look for our significance and happiness? Be specific.
Week 3 Discussion Question 7
How are the younger and elder brother different? How are they alike?
(See: pages 33-36)
(See: pages 33-36)
Week 3 Discussion Question 5
“You can rebel against God and be alienated from him either by breaking his rules or by keeping all of them diligently.” (pp. 36-37)
Explain this statement, using examples if possible.
(See: pages 37-39)
Week 3 Discussion Question 4
If God's grace is absolutely free and we cannot earn it or merit it in any way, what motivation is there to live an obedient life?
Week 3 Discussion Question 3
The younger brother believes he is no longer worthy to be called his father's son. What does that tell about his view of what it takes to be loved and accepted? Is this view prevalent today?
Week 3 Discussion Question 2
"There is no evil that the father's love cannot pardon and cover, there is no sin that is a match for his grace: (p. 24)
How can this be seen in the parable, in other Bible stories, or in your own experience?
How can this be seen in the parable, in other Bible stories, or in your own experience?
Week 3 Discussion Question 1
If you had the opportunity to read Chapters 2 and 3 of "The Prodigal God" book, what was new to you or had an effect on you? Did you read anything that raised questions in your mind?
Week 2 Discussion Question 6
Why do you think many churches today are not attracting the broken and marginalized with Jesus' message of grace? (See: pp. 15-26)
Here is a related video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ssSlt1HXs
Here is a related video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4ssSlt1HXs
Week 2 Discussion Question 5
"Frequently, the oldest sibling in the family is the parent-pleaser, the responsible one who obeys the parental standards. The younger sibling tends to be the rebel, a free spirit who prefers the company and admiration of his peers. The first child grows up, takes a conventional job, and settles down near Mom and Dad, while the younger sibling goes off to live in the hip-shabby neighborhoods of New York and Los Angeles. (See: page 11)
Have you observed this dynamic in your own or other families?
Have you observed this dynamic in your own or other families?
Week 2 Discussion Question 4
Can you think of other incidents from Jesus' life where he comes into conflict with the Pharisees and the teachers of the law? Why do you think they were opposed to Jesus and his teaching?
Week 2 Discussion Question 3
How have you seen both religious and irreligious lifestyles lead to spiritual emptiness? Share examples.
Week 2 Discussion Question 2
Consider the audience to whom Jesus told this parable. What does that tell us about the traditional name of the parable? (See: pages xiv and 7-9)
Week 2 Discussion Question 1
If you had the opportunity to read the Introduction and Chapter 1 of "The Prodigal God" book, what was new to you or had an effect on you? Did you read anything that raised questions in your mind?
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Week 1 Discussion Question 4
Is there anything you would like to pray for personally or as a result of what you saw on the DVD?
Week 1 Discussion Question 2
Who do you identify with more, the younger brother or the elder brother? Why?
Week 1 Discussion Question 1
Discussion Question 1: Was there anything from the DVD that was new to you or had an effect on you? Did you hear anything that raised questions in your mind?
Audio Sermons
There are 7 sermons on the author's web site. Here are the links:
1. He Welcomes Sinners: Luke 15:1-10
http://sermons2.redeemer.com/sites/sermons2.redeemer.com/files/sermons/RPC-He_Welcomes_Sinners.mp3
2. Give Me Mine: Luke 15:11-14
http://download.redeemer.com/sermons/Give_Me_MineF.mp3
3. He Came To Himself: Luke 15:11-20
http://download.redeemer.com/sermons/He_Came_to_HimselfF.mp3
4. To Be Called Your Son: Luke 15:21-24
http://download.redeemer.com/sermons/To_Be_Called_Your_SonF.mp3
5. And Kissed Him: Luke 15:11-24
http://download.redeemer.com/sermons/And_Kissed_HimF.mp3
6. We Had to Celebrate: Luke 15:17-32
http://download.redeemer.com/sermons/We_Had_to_CelebrateF.mp3
7. The True Older Brother: Luke 15:17-32
http://download.redeemer.com/sermons/The_True_Older_BrotherF.mp3
Welcome and Preview
Welcome to the St. Andrew's Prodigal God Bible study!
Click on the following link for a video preview for our study:
http://www.theprodigalgod.com/video.html
If you do not have RealPlayer on your computer, you may download RealPlayer SP for free at:
http://www.real.com/
TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION, CLICK ON A QUESTION LINK AND TYPE YOUR RESPONSE IN A COMMENT BOX
I hope you enjoy this Bible study and blog!
Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable:
"There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything."
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father."
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate."
"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'"
"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"
Click on the following link for a video preview for our study:
http://www.theprodigalgod.com/video.html
If you do not have RealPlayer on your computer, you may download RealPlayer SP for free at:
http://www.real.com/
TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION, CLICK ON A QUESTION LINK AND TYPE YOUR RESPONSE IN A COMMENT BOX
I hope you enjoy this Bible study and blog!
THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON: LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32
Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable:
"There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything."
"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father."
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate."
"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'"
"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"
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