Prodigal Son Devotional: Day 1

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.