Jesus told stories to transform us. Parables draw us in and reveal what’s going on in our hearts. Through them, we encounter not just important lessons, but the heart of a loving Father who seeks and saves the lost. The parable of the Prodigal Son isn’t just about one man’s return—it’s about all of us being shaped by grace.
REVIEW: God isn’t punishing you — He’s preparing you.
- READ: Luke 15:11–14 — “Jesus continued: ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, "Father, give me my share of the estate." So he divided his property between them. 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. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.’”
- DISCUSS: When have you felt like you were in a season of emptiness or loss? How might God have been preparing your heart rather than punishing you? How does this shape your trust in His process?
REVIEW: Don’t let your promise become your pitfall.
- READ: Luke 15:15–19 — “So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’”
- DISCUSS: The son believed he could handle the inheritance, but it nearly destroyed him. What good things in your life could become pitfalls if they replace your dependence on God? How do you stay rooted in humility and surrender?
REVIEW: The solution to your life is not in solving a problem, it’s in the person of Jesus.
- READ: Luke 15:20–24 — “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. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 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. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”
- DISCUSS: The son came home with a plan, but the father interrupted it with grace. How does this reveal the heart of Jesus? What might it look like for you to stop “fixing” and start “receiving”?
REVIEW: God's heart is to restore what’s broken.
- READ: John 11:43–45 — “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’ Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.”
- DISCUSS: The older brother did everything “right” but still missed the father’s heart. How can we guard against self-righteousness that blocks grace?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Father, thank You for being patient with us, for running to meet us, and for restoring what we’ve broken. Thank You that Your grace isn’t earned—it’s freely given. Open our hearts to live like sons and daughters, not slaves. Help us become more like Jesus in the way we think, love, and respond. Teach us to celebrate grace, offer compassion, and live in Your joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND:
Let the grace of this parable shape how you live this week:
- Return to the Father: Is there an area of your life you’ve walked away in? Come home with humility and hope.
- Stay in Grace: Resist the trap of earning or comparing. Choose joy and freedom over performance.
- Celebrate Others: Rejoice when someone else receives grace—even if it challenges you.
- Restore the Broken: Ask yourself, “Where is God inviting me to be part of someone else’s restoration story?” Take one small step to show up with grace.
- Join a Serve Team: Let God use your life to welcome others. Sign up and take part in restoration today.
Let the mercy that met you on the road now move you to walk with someone else on theirs.