Luke 15:11-32 | The prodigal son

Luke 15:11-32 | The prodigal son

How would you define grace?

Can you recall a time when you have been shown grace by God?

Can you recall a time when you have given an ‘elder son’ reaction to someone’s response to God?


Act 1 – wild rebellion (vs11-16) 

What is your opinion about the younger son?

Why does he want to leave home?

What do his actions tell about his attitudes toward his father’s wealth? his father? life?

Is he the kind of person you would like to be with? to manage your money?

What stages does the boy go through?

What causes him to come to his senses?

What was his attitude like when he returns to his father?


Act 2  – amazing grace (vs17-24) 

What does worldly repentance look like?

What does true repentance look like?

What is the turning point in this story?

The father saw the son returning while he was still a long way off - do you think that this was by chance?

How does the father treat the son on his return?

What is the father’s primary attitude toward his son?


Act 3 – sullen hostility (vs25-32) 

Do you think the father loves the younger son more? Why or why not?

Do you think the older brother is justified in his behavior? Why or why not?

What does responding to a new believer like the father look like?

How do we welcome new people into our church?


Reflect and pray: I’ve started like the younger son – who am I becoming? Will I become like the father (gracious, welcoming) or like the older son (resentful, bitter, hard-hearted)?


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