11 Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with [d]prodigal living. 14 But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. 15 Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the [e]pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19 and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, [f]‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24 for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry. 25 “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ 28 “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 So he answered and said to his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have been serving you; I never transgressed your commandment at any time; and yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your livelihood with harlots, you killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 “And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.’ ”
Luke 15:11-32
Q & A：
- In your family, what is your position in terms of birth order? Are you the oldest sibling, the middle child, or the youngest, or do you have no siblings and are considered an only child? Please specify which role you have within your family dynamic.
- What specific lesson do you believe God imparted through this parable? In reflecting on the story, which of the two sons do you find yourself relating to the most, and what aspects of your own experiences or feelings lead you to that connection? Please explain your reasoning in detail. (Luke 13:34; Luke 15:17-19）
- Take a moment to reflect on the people in your life who may be avoiding or distancing themselves from their relationship with God. Consider their struggles, fears, and the reasons they might be running away. Once you’ve thought of these individuals, spend some time in prayer for each one. Ask for guidance, strength, and healing for them as they navigate their journey. ( Luke 15:25-32)
Summary：
This week’s sermon by guest speaker Pastor Jason Kim focuses on the parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting repentance, reconciliation, and grace. The younger son demands his inheritance and squanders it, representing the emptiness of seeking fulfillment outside of God. When he returns, his father joyfully welcomes him, showing God’s mercy. In contrast, the older son’s resentment highlights a misunderstanding of grace and the need for compassion. This parable calls us to embrace God’s grace, celebrate the lost who return, and follow Jesus, who endured shame “for the joy set before Him.”