Week 3 Parables – Parable of the Two Sons (March 6)
STUDY
Read Luke 15:11-32. Let’s apply what we learned on Day 15 (March 4).
1. Main Characters …
2. Ideas that are emphasized in the dialogue (what people are saying) …
3. Context: Look at the previous, short parable (read verses 8-10). Then, after that parable and before the one we are looking at, Luke writes, “To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story” (NLT). So we know that this parable has a similar meaning and message as the previous parable.
4. Remember not to focus on the details too much… Why a distant land—why not the next town? Why a fattened calf—why not a sheep? Let’s just get to the main point.
IMMERSE
What is the main point? This parable is a little different than the previous ones we have looked at. It seems to have two main points: The story of the younger son and the story of the older brother. This is why many call this parable “The Parable of the Two Sons” instead of “The Parable of the Prodigal Son”.
Can you figure out the two different messages?
1. Luke 15:12-24, The Story of the Younger Son …
2. Luke 15:25-32, The Story of the Older Brother …
Remember to consult your Prayer Journal. Is there anything from this parable that you want to thank God for? Anything that challenges you?