The Prodigal Son

To view the Leader Guide for this week, click here.

To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.

Introduction 

Last week, we discussed the parable Jesus told about the persistent widow and the unrighteous judge and how we can be faithful to God by trusting he will answer our prayers. 

During the “Apply” section last week, everyone was encouraged to write down specific action steps they would work on throughout the week. Take some time to discuss how that went with the group. 

This week we will be discussing the parable of the prodigal son. 

First, begin your meeting in prayer for God’s blessing over this time with your group. 

Connect  

• When was a time you made a quick decision that you thought would work out and regretted it later?
  • How did other people respond to your decision?
    • What did you learn through this experience?
• How do you typically respond when someone tries to correct a mistake they made?
• Share how you have seen people react when someone receives kindness they didn’t seem to deserve?
  • Why do you think unexpected kindness can be so meaningful to people?

Opening Thought 

It’s easy to want control over our own path, believing we know what’s best. Sometimes, people can chase after what they think will bring fulfillment, only to realize it didn’t satisfy the way they expected. This may cause them to worry about how people to respond if they return to their original path. Moments like this might challenge how we see others, ourselves, and what truly matters. God invites us to follow his example of showing forgiveness and mercy to these people, celebrating with them instead of showing judgement. This is one way we can follow Jesus well.  

This leads us to our main idea for this week:  

Main idea for the week

We can celebrate with others when they follow God.

Here’s where we are this week

Jesus has been teaching through the various aspects of what the Kingdom of God looks like and how to live a life of faith to God. Many times this went against what his culture and the religious leaders taught, but showed a better way of life. Within these lessons, Jesus challenged what really matters in a person’s life and faith and called his followers to act differently than how the world encouraged them to.  

Unpack 

Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses: 

Read  

Luke 15:11-32 

Unpack

• What are the implications of the son asking for his inheritance while the father was alive? Why do you think the father allowed the son to have it?
  • Why do you think God sometimes gives us things we ask for, even though we will act unwisely?
• What does the father’s reaction reveal about God’s mercy and forgiveness?
  • How does the father’s actions in the parable of the prodigal son serve as a model for reconciliation and restoration in our relationships?
    • How can we emulate the father’s love and kindness in our interactions with others?
• Why is the elder brother’s reaction to the younger brother coming home viewed negatively? How do you see the brother’s perspective in our culture today?
  • How is the father’s perspective when it comes to his sons different than how our culture might view this story?
    • Why is this difference so significant when it comes to understanding God’s love?
  • How do you think we should reconcile celebrating someone who turns back to Jesus with any consequences they might face for past actions?
• How does the elder brother’s attitude challenge us to avoid self-righteousness and judgmental attitudes in our communities?
  • What measures can you take to avoid the elder brother’s attitude in your spiritual journey?
• How can the example of the father celebrating the return of son impact our approach to those struggling with sin in our communities?
  • What steps can we take to ensure our churches or communities are places of welcome and celebration instead of judgement?
  • How can we be actively reaching out to those considered ‘lost’ in our societies?
    • How could this challenge societal norms and expectations of worth and value for the better?

Apply 

Based on the verses we just read, there are some things that we can do in response. Take a moment to discuss these questions as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be: 

• How will you be an example of God’s love and mercy, as seen in this story, to those around you this week?
• What steps will you take to begin changing your perspective towards the outcasts of our culture to look more like the perspective of how the father viewed his son?
• How will we, as a group, help each other create an atmosphere of celebration when someone turns to God in our communities?

Closing 

Read the first section to your group, then read the verse out loud to the group, and finally, move to the Prayer and Verses section: 

How we respond to others in their turning points matters. When someone finds their way back after a difficult path, they may fear how they’ll be received. Instead of meeting them with judgment, we can offer grace, encouragement, and celebration. Choosing mercy over resentment not only reflects God’s heart, but it also shapes the kind of community we build; this is one more way we can invite others to know who Jesus is better. 

Prayer and Verses 

Ask for prayer requests and conclude your time with prayer then share the Key Verse for the Week and Daily Devotional Verses with the group. 

Thematic Reflection Verse for the Week

*Read this verse, then encourage the practice of memorization through the week. 

Psalm 86:5 

“O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” 

**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. 

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. 

Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. 
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? 
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? 
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. 

Day 1: Romans 12:20 

Day 2: Micah 17:8 

Day 3: John 13:34 

Day 4: Ephesians 2:8 

Day 5: 1 Peter 4:8 

Day 6: Matthew 5:7