Introduction
Before we begin, this is quick reminder of what we’ve considered so far:
God’s kingdom is coming
to rule primarily hearts not people groups
in small and imperceptible ways that only later become visible, rather than in large and forceful ways
everywhere, not in specific times and places
God’s kingdom is a kingdom of grace right alongside righteousness (the nature of the kingdom), not just a kingdom of righteousness
1. Compare these two quotes…
“In one hour's time I will be out there again. I will raise my eyes and look down that corridor; 4 feet wide, with 10 lonely seconds to justify my whole existence. But will I?” (Harold Abrahams, Chariots of Fire)
“I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast! And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” (Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire, watch below)
What do you think is the difference? Who do you think most people are?
Getting into God’s Word
Today we’re looking at parables about God and the people of the kingdom. Who are they? What are they like?
Let’s read Luke 15:11-32.
4. Understanding this parable has to start with the event that it is part of. Look at Luke 15:1-2. What was happening when Jesus started the parable?
5. Let’s dig into this parable and try to understand some of the historical and cultural points of the parable. Watch the clip below then discuss some of the historical and cultural background.
The younger son vs the elder son as a recipient of the inheritance
An honor/shame society and community, and the implications of the younger son’s request
The legal impact on the younger son’s status
“Pigs were unclean animals for the Jews (Leviticus 11:7, Deuteronomy 14:8) and to tend them was viewed as despicable work. .... The Jews considered the loss of family property to Gentiles a particularly grievous offense and grounds for excommunication.”
The elder son’s family status now that the father has dispersed his will
The younger son caring for pigs
The father running
The elder son working in the field
The robe, the ring, and the fatted calf
6. The picture on the left is from Rembrandt (1669). It is one of the most famous renderings of this story. What’s good about it? What perhaps could have been different?
7. If we accept that the younger son is shaming his father by asking for his inheritance, what are the reasons that the father doesn’t just let him become a servant, but welcomes him back as a son?
8. This parable has so many subtle points, but definitely one of the insights comes in the difference between verse 18, 19, and then verse 21. What is the difference?
9. What is the surprise or twist in this parable?
10. A good way to summarize the point of the parable is to grasp the comparison it makes. Let’s see if we can be clear about it with a “just as …. so also” statement.
“Just as (the main message of the parable) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
….so also ….. (God deals with the world) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________”
““According to Middle Eastern custom, the oldest son should have been the key reconciler between the father and his rebellious sibling.””
Getting the Word into our lives
11. In order to apply this parable well, we need to have a basic understanding of the following ideas. Our understanding needs to work with the parable! (yes, these are big church words, sorry :-))
Forgiveness
Reconciliation
The church
Repentance
Justification
12. For those who are already part of the church, verse 31 is the most important verse in the parable: “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” What does this verse mean? What does it look like to take this verse to heart and believe it?
Wrap Up
Split into groups of 2 or 3.
13. What’s a passage from this Scripture that impacted you?
14. How are you going to respond to this message?
15. Who is one person you’d like to share this with?