Bible Study Summary

In preparing for this Sunday's sermon, one of the scriptures will be the Prodigal Son story from Luke 15. Here at Lancaster First UMC, I am privileged to be part of two weekly bible study groups that study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday.

Here are some of the questions/insights from the two groups:

• Most of us can identify with the elder son in the story and his reluctance (refusal?) to join in the party for his younger brother. He was the responsible one and yet no party was given in his honor.
• This parable isn't meant to be applied as a parenting technique, is it? Otherwise, it seems that we as parents should reward irresponsible behavior.
• Someone said that this parable reminds him of the parable of the talents but they have very different endings. In the parable of the talents, the person who hid his talent, was severely judged by the owner and didn't receive mercy. But in the prodigal son story, the irresponsible son was given a party. What's up with that?
• The parable of the Prodigal Son could possibly have the story of Jacob and Esau in the background. Remember how Jacob (the younger brother) ended up being a deceiver and irresponsible by getting the birthright and the blessing? Esau (the older brother) is angry and chases after Jacob. Later in the story, Jacob comes to his senses (after he wrestles with God and is given a new name) and when he finally meets up with Esau, they embrace and are reconciled. Esau shows mercy (like the prodigal son's father did to the prodigal son.)
• The Prodigal Son parable could also be called The Prodigal Father since the parable is also about how wasteful (the meaning of "prodigal") the father was when he went over the top in extending forgiveness and mercy to his son.
• One person said that this parable reminds him to periodically take inventory of his own life and think of times when he has received mercy from others and from God.