Bible study on Luke 15.1-3,11b-32

This study can be used by a small family/household group, or by an online group, or – sometimes with a little adaptation – by an individual.

See our Guidelines for a weekly Bible study

Begin with an opening prayer

In this week following Mothering Sunday,
we open our hearts before you, faithful God,
bringing those we love, and those we struggle to love,
those we have lost, and those we are afraid of losing.
We bring our tears and our joy,
our disappointments and our hopes.
We bring all that we carry and all that we long to lay down –
in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

Read the passage

Consider different ways to read the text. For example, hearing it in more than one version of the Bible.

In an online group, you could share parts between those present, or use/adapt this week’s Share the Word suggestion: Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to go to Share the Word and scroll down to find the Gospel reading.

Explore and respond to the text

Start by reading the Bible notes below. You may want to read them more than once, or pause after each paragraph to reflect on what you have read.

Bible notes

The younger son lived wastefully and shamefully, the elder son lived narrowly and resentfully – whatever is this generous father going to do with his two sons? The surprising (even shocking) answer seems to be: let them be who they are, and love them whatever they do. The younger son dishonours his father with the very suggestion of wanting to live a wild life, but his father allows it. Then he returns, ready with a rehearsed speech (even the hired hands do not go hungry). He is facing up to the reality of his situation, but he could still be viewed as looking out for number one. In an eastern culture with a stress on family duty and honour, the idea that such a disgraced and disgraceful son could return to the family on any terms would be anathema. In fact, it would be the duty of the father to banish him with a solemn curse. But what does this father do? He waits, watching for his son’s return. He runs to him, something that is beneath the dignity of a patriarch. He does not wait to hear the whole prepared speech, but dresses his son in luxury and orders a celebration feast. The elder son cannot stomach this generous forgiveness, neither could the scribes and Pharisees listening to the parable. Often, nor can we. Yet it is one thing to discover that God forgives and is willing to wipe out a downward scale of sins; it is quite another to discover that God also does not operate an upwards scale of merit, where we might gain extra recognition for our good behaviour. The father has only two categories – dead or alive; lost or found – and his concern for both sons is only to love them and see them alive and found. We do not know if the elder son went in to the feast. Will we?

Rachel Nicholls and Andrew Roberts discuss vexing
bible readings; identifying goals; and death
and resurrection.

Reflection

Spend a few moments thinking about what stands out for you from the Bible reading. This idea may help.

The picture of God that emerges within this week’s parable is completely at odds with a remote authoritarian figure who would condemn the behaviour of others, or control them through authority, power and fear. This father doesn’t condemn, he allows – he allows rebellion and he allows resentment. In fact, he is vulnerable to rejection by both his sons, because he does not control them. He loves and he waits, he never gives up hope, he runs and embraces, he feasts and celebrates. He remains true to his values and so experiences both great sadness and great joy. Can we cope with this picture of God? If not, why not?

Questions for reflection

You may wish to use these questions and the picture to help you think about or discuss issues of sharing.

Click on the image to view a larger version
or use the Jump menu to go to This week's images.
For artist's details, see this issue's illustrators.

Questions

How do you imagine the loving and open arms of God?
What does ‘outrageous love’ mean to you?
What could you do as an expression of outrageous love?

A simple worship activity

Group discussion and plan

What does it mean to be the ‘open arms of God’?

Working in groups, invite people to think of their experience of life in your local community, asking: How does the parable challenge our attitude to people who have, or have not, succeeded ‘in the system’ that is modern society? For example, are there local issues/needs concerning inclusion, fresh starts, family relationships, and so on? Make a list of these as you go.
Review your list, asking how, individually or together, you might be the ‘open and welcoming arms of God’ in some of those situations. Agree at least one practical and achievable thing to do to begin to address one of the needs.

Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to go to more activities
in Explore and respond.

Prayer

Adapt to your local context.

A prayer of praise

God of our families and our friends,
we praise you for those have inspired us,
for those who have mothered us,
for those who have been patient with us,
for those who have nurtured our faith
and shown us your love.
Amen.

Use the Jump to this week's menu on the right to find more prayers,
including up-to-date intercessions.

A prayer to end the Bible study

God of outrageous love!
Thank you that we cannot fall out of your love,
no matter what our mistakes,
no matter how mean and grudging our love is.
As you welcome us with ever open arms,
enlarge our hearts and minds,
to serve faithfully and to love outrageously!
Amen.