Monday, July 6
Read: Luke 15
This chapter has three very similar parables that are full of symbolism. The first two about the lost sheep and the lost coin are very similar. Something is lost, the owner takes great care and effort in search of the lost item, the item is found and a celebration occurs. Woo-hoo! But it’s the story of the prodigal son that we’ll focus on today.
Like I said, there is tons of symbolism in this text, so to make things easier here is a quick guide to what is symbolic of what. Take some time discussing these things.
*leaders: expand on these a bit. Sharing a bit of your story if you feel led or asking leading questions.
Father – God.
Son – Lost sinner.
Brother – Self-righteous leadership.
Son receiving an early inheritance – God letting his people choose their own way, freewill.
Squandered money and famine- sin and the desperation sin causes.
Employment- seeking salvation in things other than God.
Feeding swine- a great dishonor to Jews. Pigs were considered unclean animals and Jews had nothing to do with them. This shows that he was so desperate he would take any job he could get.
Son reflects his situation- realization that it is because of that causes our desperation and pain.
Realizing his father’s servants has it better- the realization that to be outside of God’s plan is to be utterly alone.
Plan of action- confession.
Alright, now that you know what is symbolic of what let’s get on with the story. After the sons confession his brother gets real angry. What did he say to his father? Why do you think the brother was so angry? Do you feel there are Christians in the church like this today? Have you ever been like this?
What does his father say in response? What is this symbolic of? Is the father upset? Why not?
So, obviously this chapter is about the lost sinner being found and brought back to God. There is a hint that repentance leads to a full reversal of status. Once a coin is found it no longer sits in the coach cushions doing nothing but goes back into the purse to be spent. Once the sheep is found it no longer wanders aimlessly by the brook but can join its fold doing what sheep do. Once a sinner is found he no longer continues in his life of sin and desperation but can have a right relationship with God living the life God intended for him. All reasons worthy of celebration!
Process:
-Did you notice that each chapter ended with a celebration? When was the last time you celebrated a sinner’s repentance or a new member of your church? When was the last time you celebrated your own salvation?
– Today we are simply going to celebrate our salvation! So, for the rest of cell throw a party and celebrate your salvation!