Three points Jesus makes in this parable:
1. the Father will cost you.
2. before the Father will cost you.
3. There is a to the Father.
BIG POINT: Jesus is the of the .
NOTES:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Read Luke 15:11-32 and discuss:
• Contrast the two sons. Is there anything they have in common?
• How does running from the Father cost a prodigal? How does sin
slowly reshape our identity and enslave us, even when it seems fun at
first?
• Why is the phrase “he came to himself” such a pivotal moment? What
does this look like practically? Have you ever experienced a moment
when you realized you were going the wrong way in life? What helped
you “come to your senses”?
• What does the older brother’s response reveal about his heart?
Describe how a person could become self-righteous.
• Have you ever caught yourself comparing your “faithfulness” to
someone else’s failures? What was the outcome?
• How does the father pursue both sons in this story? What does this
say about God’s heart for all types of sinners?
• Why is it important to repent not only of what we’ve done wrong, but
also of the reasons we try to do right?
• What can help you avoid becoming like the older brother?
PERSONAL REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
• What specific step do you need to take this week to return to the
Father—either from rebellion or pride?
• Who in your life feels far from God—either because of their sin or
their shame? How can you show them the heart of the Father?
• Meditate on this thought: you can’t outrun or outwork the love of the
Father. How does that change the way you approach God?