Day 3—The Indignant Older Son
1. Read Luke 15:25-32. What did the older son misunderstand about his father? 2. What wrong attitude did the older son have about his younger brother? 3. Do you ever struggle to love someone in word, thought, or deed? Why? 4. Think of some specific people you struggle to love. Pray for them. Ask the Holy Spirit for the right words. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven…” (Matthew 5:43-45a) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6) “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)
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Day Two—The Love of the Father
1. Read Luke 15: 20-24. How does this illustrate the father’s love for his lost son? Are there any ideas which stick out to you? 2. Read John 3:16-18. How has God shown His love for the world? How should we respond to that love? 3. Reflect and write about some ways which God has shown His love for you. The Parable of the Prodigal Son Daily Devotional Guide
This 7-day devotional will guide us through understanding the message of Jesus’ parable in Luke 15:11-32 and how to apply it to our lives. I hope and pray this is useful to you in understanding how to read a parable and also how to live according to the spiritual nature of God’s Word. On Sunday, the sermon will be given, then 3 more daily devotionals will be offered to help us all make application to our lives. Day One (Thursday)—Overview of the Parable and the Younger Son’s Repentance Summary of the parable: A wealthy man has two sons. The younger son asks for his inheritance, then goes and squanders it with frivolous living. When hard times come, he tries his hardest to make it work. Eventually he comes to his senses and humbly asks his father for forgiveness. The father is so happy to see him and welcomes him back. The older son does not share in his father’s joy over and love for the younger brother. Rather, he is indignant, not wanting to be part of the celebration. The father takes time to come to the older brother, pleading with him to join the celebration. The older brother responds in a way which indicates his wrong understanding about the father and wrong attitude toward his younger brother—which the father corrects. 1. Read Luke 15:11-32. Use the space below to write down the three main characters 2. Read Luke 15:1-2. Who does the father in the parable represent? The younger son? The older son? 3. The younger son saw his need for a relationship with the father. He was as good as dead otherwise. Read Psalm 23. What attitude should you have toward the LORD, your heavenly Father? Use specific examples from the Psalm and from the parable, verses 17-19. |
This is the blog of Tyler Shepard, the Associate Pastor for Centre Union Church in Yeagertown, PA.
I hope you are encouraged and challenged to walk more closely with Jesus Christ! Archives
September 2023
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