Prodigal God, Chapter 2

Chapter 2 – The Two Lost Sons

1. Describe the scene, the actions and emotions of the son and father in the homecoming. What is most impacting to you?
2. When a parent reacts to a child’s behavior with, ‘after all I’ve done for you, how can you do this?’ what is at the core? Contrast this with the father in the parable. What do you learn about God?
3. The younger brother believes he is no longer worthy to be called his father’s son. What does this tell us about his view of what it takes to be loved and accepted? Is this view prevalent today?
4. Parents seen to have an overwhelming temptation to bring up the past failures of their children. (Can you think of an example?) Would the father in the story have the same temptation? Why not?
5. “There is no evil that the father’s love cannot pardon and cover, there is no sin that is a match for his grace.” (p. 24) How can this be seen in the parable, in other stories from the Bible, and in your own life?
6. If God’s grace is absolutely free and we cannot earn it or merit it in any way, what motivation is there to live an obedient life? What Bible verses come to mind?
7. As we turn to the elder brother, what are some of the poisonous thoughts, emotions and attitudes that come from him?
8. Action Point: