Jesus' "Bad Company"
* The Pharisees and teachers of the law criticized Jesus because he associated with "tax collectors and sinners." (Luke 15:1-2) In response, Jesus told three parables (stories).

The Parables of the Lost Sheep & 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 and one coin are 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)

The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
* Read Luke 15:11-20a.

1. What are your impressions of the younger son at the beginning of this story? What motivates his actions?

2. Why do you think the father grants his request?

3. 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?

Reflection & Application

> How might this story illustrate human attitudes relative to God?

* Read Luke 15:20-24.

4. What is evident about the father's character in these verses? What is his attitude toward his son's return?

5. 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 & Application

> How might this story illustrate the relationship between us and God?

* Read Luke 15:25-32.

6. How does the older brother respond? What are his reasons for responding this way?

7. In what ways is the older brother's attitude similar to the Pharisees' attitude? How might this story apply to the Pharisees in verse 2?

Reflection & Application

> Are you more like the younger brother or the older brother? 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 joining with God in His pursuit of, and invitation to, "sinners?" Are you sharing God's love and forgiveness? 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?