The Prodigal Son
Scripture Reading:
Read “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” HERE
This week, we will be discussing “The Heart of the Father” through a parable in the Bible called The Prodigal Son. Before we get into it, we are going to paraphrase Jesus’ parable. As always, we encourage you to take the time to open your Bible and read the parable in its entirety. But for right now, let’s review.
There once was a man with two broken, wounded, lost, prideful sons. We can be sure that when he first heard his sweet bride was pregnant this is not what he thought being a dad would be like. He had hopes and dreams for his sons and these boys were nothing like what he had expected.
The older brother was a hard worker who was very loyal to his family’s business. He was for all intents and purposes the “good son.” Planning on working hard to earn his inheritance and place in the world. His little brother was, unfortunately, the exact opposite.
The younger brother was always wanting more. He wanted so much more that he asked his father for his inheritance early which culturally embarrassed him. Afterward, he left his home and burned through all of his money and relational bridges. After sharing a meal with literal pigs, he headed home to beg for his father’s forgiveness and ask to be a part of their family again.
His father did the unthinkable. He saw his son from afar and ran to him. Not only did he forgive his son, but he also threw him a welcome home party and invited him back into their family.
The older brother was angry about his father’s response and refused to go to the party; Claiming that he had done everything right and never felt celebrated and his brother didn’t deserve to be welcomed home. After lovingly listening to his eldest son’s heart, he responded by helping him see why they were celebrating his brother’s return. He said:
“...‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.’” - Luke 15:31-32
Calibration:
- What comes to mind when you read this story? Why?
- Do you relate to any of the characters? Why?
- Do you relate more to the younger brother or the older brother? Why?
- How does the response of the Father affect your heart? Why?
Read “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” HERE
This week, we will be discussing “The Heart of the Father” through a parable in the Bible called The Prodigal Son. Before we get into it, we are going to paraphrase Jesus’ parable. As always, we encourage you to take the time to open your Bible and read the parable in its entirety. But for right now, let’s review.
There once was a man with two broken, wounded, lost, prideful sons. We can be sure that when he first heard his sweet bride was pregnant this is not what he thought being a dad would be like. He had hopes and dreams for his sons and these boys were nothing like what he had expected.
The older brother was a hard worker who was very loyal to his family’s business. He was for all intents and purposes the “good son.” Planning on working hard to earn his inheritance and place in the world. His little brother was, unfortunately, the exact opposite.
The younger brother was always wanting more. He wanted so much more that he asked his father for his inheritance early which culturally embarrassed him. Afterward, he left his home and burned through all of his money and relational bridges. After sharing a meal with literal pigs, he headed home to beg for his father’s forgiveness and ask to be a part of their family again.
His father did the unthinkable. He saw his son from afar and ran to him. Not only did he forgive his son, but he also threw him a welcome home party and invited him back into their family.
The older brother was angry about his father’s response and refused to go to the party; Claiming that he had done everything right and never felt celebrated and his brother didn’t deserve to be welcomed home. After lovingly listening to his eldest son’s heart, he responded by helping him see why they were celebrating his brother’s return. He said:
“...‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost and is found.’” - Luke 15:31-32
Calibration:
- What comes to mind when you read this story? Why?
- Do you relate to any of the characters? Why?
- Do you relate more to the younger brother or the older brother? Why?
- How does the response of the Father affect your heart? Why?
Posted in Heart of the Father
Tagged with the prodigal son, prodigal, heart of the father, older brother, younger brother
Tagged with the prodigal son, prodigal, heart of the father, older brother, younger brother
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