Parable of the Lost Son
Jesus told this story show how God feels about sinners who ask for His forgiveness
Before You ListenLet's Get Started
Theme: Worshiping God- Jesus Talks about God’s Kingdom
- Luke 15: 11-32 tells a story about a young man who made a very selfish choice that hurt his father, brother, and eventually himself. Despite all the harm he had done, his father forgave him. Ask yourself, what’s hard about forgiving a family member? What are some great joys about forgiving a family member?
- In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables: The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Lost Son. Luke 15:1 - 2 points to the reason for the stories, “Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.’” As you listen to the story, think about the different audiences for these stories. What things would “the tax collectors and sinners”, “the “Pharisees and the teachers of the law” and Jesus’ disciples have learned as they heard the parables?
After you listen
Memory Verse
For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Quiz
A: He wanted his share of the family property.
A: He worked for a pig farmer.
Reflect
Jesus told parables to show people what the Kingdom of Heaven was like. His audience was everyone within earshot. In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories about things that are lost. At the end of the three parables, Jesus describes the celebration that happens when a sinner who has repented comes into God’s presence.
The self-righteous group of “Pharisees and teachers of law” heard that there would be “more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” They could tell that Jesus was comparing them to the older son complaining about the banquet for his recently returned brother. How would they have received Jesus’ message?
The second group was the “tax collectors and sinners,” whom Jesus had visited. When these folks heard the stories, they knew that God celebrated them, repentant sinners turning to God. How would they have received Jesus’ message?
Finally, the disciples and bystanders heard God gives his people second chances. Jesus gave “Kingdom of Heaven” examples of mercy and forgiveness available to all who repent and believe. How would they have received Jesus’ message?
Today, pray to God, ask for a second chance, and be forgiven. That’s not a one-time offer. Throughout your life, you can continue to pray to God the words of the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6: 9-13): “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Want to dig deeper and learn more about God’s forgiveness? Check out Matthew 6:14-15, Isaiah 1:18, and Psalm 103:10-12.
Challenge
Create your own paper coin, like the one found by the woman or the one given away by the young son. Write the word “forgive” on the front and “mercy” on the back. Please keep it in your wallet, purse, or other safe place. When you come across it, see it as a reminder to give and receive the forgiveness God is giving you.
