06.15.08
Small Group Plan - June 15, 2008
“The Loving Father”
Small Group Plan
June 15, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
What should we call the third parable in Luke 15? Most call it the parable of the prodigal son, but we could just as easily call it the parable of the loving Father. In fact, the future of everyone in the story, the younger son who wastes his life and the older son who can’t accept his brother, both of them are taught and changed by the Father. He is really the central character in the story.
So yes, there are lessons to be learned by looking at the sons and the servants. But the most power lessons come from watching the Father.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· Is it difficult for you to trust people in general? Why or why not?
· Is it difficult for you to trust people who have failed you? Explain.
· What does it usually take for someone to win back your trust?
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
The Father’s Trust
Luke 15:11-12
11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
· How is the Father trusting his son in this story?
· What has God, our Father, entrusted to us?
· What does this story teach us about trusting our children?
The Father’s Pain
Luke 15:13-19
13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’
· If this father received a report on his son’s poor choices, what would he feel – what would you feel: anger, pity, apathy?
· If he learned of his son’s lowest point, what should he do? What would you do? Explain.
· Why was the son confident that he could return home?
The Father’s Joy
Luke 15:20-24
20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
· Why was the father watching for his son?
· Imagine their reunion as it unfolded - seeing each other, touching each other, talking to each other. Describe all the emotions you imagine.
· Why did he respond so lavishly?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· In view of those to whom this story is told (Vs. 2), what does Jesus want them to learn about God?
· When/how did first see the joyful side of God’s nature?
· What role does risk taking play in trust?
· What is God risking in giving the human race choice?
· Which of the father’s qualities do you most need? Explain.
Close by reflecting in prayer on the love and compassion of God.