Discussion Questions:

1. What does the picture of the father in this story teach about what God is like? Do you have a hard time believing God is like the Father in the story?
2. Are you more like the younger (immoral) brother or the older (moral) brother? How are both “lost”?
3. The Father runs out to meet both his sons in the story, illustrating that salvation is by grace. God takes the initiative. How have you seen God pursuing you throughout your life (as the shepherd pursues the sheep and the woman the coin and the Father his lost sons)? What about right now?
4. Jesus is telling the story because he wants the tax collectors and religious leaders to be like the Father towards “sinners.” Is there a current relationship where you’re having a hard time imitating the father’s compassion? Which type of person- the younger brother type or the older brother type- do you find it hard?