Shaped by the Father's Love
- Dan Haakenson
- Jun 19, 2011
- Series: Shaped by Stories
Further Reflection, Discussion, and Application
- Read Luke 15 – yes, actually read it out loud… a good place to start.
- How do verses 1-2 set the stage for the three parables told here?
- Reflect on the first two parables – the lost sheep and the lost coin. Do you see the pattern in these parables? What is the emphasis of these parables?
- How does the parable of the two sons follow the pattern and further develop the point of these parables?
- The younger brother – what characterizes the younger brother? What does he want? How does he treat the father? What was it for him to “come to his senses” (v17)? What characterized his return? Of those listening (v1, 2) who would identify with him? What is Jesus saying to them and to younger-brother types today?
- The older brother – what characterizes the elder brother? What does he want? How does he treat the father? What does he think he should get and why? What is his attitude toward his brother? What do we see by his response to his brother’s return? Of those listening (v1, 2) who would identify with him? What is Jesus saying to them and to elder-brother types today?
- The father – what characterizes the father? What does he want? What does he do that is surprising (more than one thing)? How is the father like the shepherd who lost a sheep or like the woman who lost a coin? How are the attitudes and actions of this father a depiction of the attitude and actions of God? How is this reflected in the very ministry of Jesus in that setting? How does the father go out uniquely to both of the sons? How have you sensed the fatherly love of God extended to you personally?
- How was Jesus wanting to shape the crowd by this story? How could you be shaped by this story? What will you do in response this week?
* For more on this parable, you can check out the five SunHills messages beginning on April 25, 2010. (Click on "More Messages" to the right.) That message series was done in conjunction with small group studies of Tim Keller’s book “The Prodigal God.”
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