Jesus' "Bad Company"
* Jesus often spent time with "tax collectors and sinners." The Pharisees and the teachers of the law complained about this (Luke 5:29-30). On one occasion, they muttered, "This man (Jesus) welcomes sinners and eats with them" (15:2b). In response, Jesus told three parables.

Parables of the Lost Sheep & the Lost Coin (Luke 15:3-10)
* The first two parables are very similar. Both involve a search for something lost (one sheep out of 100; one silver coin out of 10). When the one sheep is found, and the one coin is found, there is great joy and celebration.

¶ "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10, NIV)

Parable of the Gracious Father & His Two Sons (Luke 15:11-32)
*After the first two parables, Jesus continued with a third parable. Read Luke 15:11-32.

Younger Son's Sin & Separation

1. What are your impressions of the younger son at the beginning of this story? What motivates his actions? (15:12-13)

* The son's request was selfish and dishonoring to his father. Yet his father granted his request. He allowed the son to go his own way, as God the Father allows the sinner to go his own way.

Younger Son's Repentance & Return

2. What factors influence the son's change in attitude? In what specific ways does his attitude change? How does his attitude change toward himself and toward his father? (15:14-20a)

Reflection

? How does this story illustrate human attitudes relative to God?

Father's Attitude

3. What is evident about the father's character in these verses? What is his attitude toward his son's return? (15:20b-24)

4. What is the result of the son's return, especially with regard to the relationship between the father and son?

¶ "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found." (15:24)

¶ "Yet to all who received [Jesus Christ], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12).

Reflection
Ø How does this story illustrate the relationship between us and God?

Older Son's Attitude

5. How does the older son respond? What are his reasons for responding this way? (15:25-32)

* Like the Pharisees (15:2), the older son's attitude is unloving & unforgiving. He does not rejoice in the "sinner's" return. The parable ends without telling us the older son's final response. Will he go inside, or remain outside? Will he join in his father's love, forgiveness, and joy; or not?

Reflection & Application
† Are you more like the older son or the younger son? Are you seeking fulfillment independent of the Father (God)? God is the only true Source of life and blessing. God graciously invites you to repent and come to Him through Christ. If you do, no matter what you have done in the past, God will welcome you into His family (John 1:9-13).

†As a Christian, are you sharing God's love and forgiveness? Are you joining with God in His pursuit of, and invitation to, "sinners?" In what specific ways can you be more involved in these activities of God? Do you truly share in the "rejoicing in heaven" when a sinner (even a "terrible one!") repents and comes to God?