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Calvary Missionary Baptist Church |
THE PRODIGAL SON AND THE ELDER BROTHER A Study of Their Story, Life, and Character Their Story: Luke 15 Prodigal - "recklessly extravagant" The Prodigal Son 1) He asked for his father's inheritance, which was a sign of shameless, open rebellion. (v.11-12) 2) He squandered everything his father gave him, a demonstration that he cared not for those things his father left him. (v.13) 3) The extravagant living came to an end when a famine hit the land, sending him into poverty and despair. (v.14-16) 4) The prodigal was awakened to his poverty and decided to return to his father as a hired servant, pleading for mercy and forgiveness. He had nothing to offer his father, but his confession of sin sorrow for what he did. (v.17-19) 5) The Father welcomed the prodigal son with open arms, reinstating him to son-ship, gave him a robe and a ring, and made a great celebration because his "dead" son was alive again (v.20-24) Discuss the symbolism of the prodigal son in Jesus' parable to a wayward sinner and compare the father's love and mercy to God's love and mercy toward those who have gone astray. The Elder Brother 1) The Elder Brother spent all of his life diligently working for his father, and upon hearing that his brother came home grew indignant and refused to attend the party. (v.25-28) 2) The Elder Brother explained to his father that he was angry with him because he deserved the party because, unlike his brother, he had been faithful to him all these years. (v.29-30) Discuss the symbolism of the Elder Brother in Jesus' parable to a self-righteous "Christian" worker and compare the father's love and mercy to God's love and mercy toward those who suffer with the sin of self-righteousness if they will repent. Some Questions for thought… 1) Who was the audience for this parable, and what significance does that play into the story? 2) What are the similarities and the differences between the first two parables in this chapter (of the lost sheep and the lost coin) compared to the story of the Prodigal Son and the Elder Brother. 3) Have you been guilty of being in one of these brother's shoes? Which one? 4) In what ways does the father in the story's reaction to the two sons demonstrate God's love and mercy toward us? |