Group discussion
Each number below includes questions that relate to
the scripture. I offer a few answers, but your perspective may be better. The point
is to discuss, not to get 100% agreement. Rule of thumb: the fewer questions you
ask, the better. Save time for “the big question.”
This week’s guide is divided into three parts. The first two sections
are discussion questions about the text (below). The next page is an
exercise for your group to try as a way to embrace this powerful
parable of Jesus and a powerful truth about God
The Characters: Two Sons
Read the passage (Luke 15:11-32) aloud to your group slowly. This
parable revolves around three main characters. Take some time to
reflect on the perspective of each.
1. What do you think it was like for the younger son?
Why do you think he was motivated to leave?
Why do you think he finally decided to come back?
What do you think life was like for him after the party?
2. What do you think the experience was like for the older son?
A Weighty Exercise: Abundance Versus Scarcity
One way to absorb the truth of this parable is to spend time dwelling
in the close of the parable when the party is thrown for the son. This
exercise is one way to do such dwelling. Read through the process
before you guide your group through this 4-step reading.
Opening: Have the group take about 30 seconds to be quiet and still.
Step 1: Read through Luke 15:25-32 slowly. The purpose of this first
reading is just to get your group familiar with the text. After reading
it, take about 30 seconds of silence.
Step 2: After the silent moment slowly read through the passage
again. This time ask the question: What word or phrase strikes you
from the reading? Have them keep the word to themselves, but just
take note of it. Take 30 seconds of silence for them to ponder it.
Step 3: After the silence slowly read the passage a third and final
time. This time ask: What do you think God is trying to say to you
through that word or phrase that struck you? Allow for 30 seconds of
silence to contemplate the answer to this question.
Closing: Close the reading in a prayer of thanks to God for speaking.
Describe what the struggle must have been like for him when his
father asked him to party.
After moving your group through this exercise have people share
their given word/phrase and what they believe God was speaking to
them through that word/phrase.
What might have been reasons for him to stay away from the party?
 The million-dollar question If you ask only one question, let this be it.
What might have been reasons for him to go to the party?
What do you think he ultimately did? Why?
The Father: Abundance Versus Scarcity
3. The father reflects God. One of the central claims is that God is
abundant. How do we learn about God’s abundance from this story?
Why Is God’s abundance both a comfort and a challenge?
How might a person go about leaning in to the abundance of God?
Allow at least 20 minutes. Go around the circle and give each person an
opportunity to answer. It’s okay if they pass, but at least they get a chance to
respond.
Who do you think you identify with most in the parable at this point in
your life?
 The younger son. Why?
 The older son. Why?
 The father. Why?
Resources
College Hills LIFE Group Guide
July 2013 Guide 2
Bible notes
Luke 15 is a rich chapter of insight into the character of God. But to really
feel the impact of the three parables it is important to note their context.
Luke gives us a small hint in verses 1-2—Jesus tells these parables in
response to an accusation from the Pharisees. Make sure you spend time
reflecting on this context before your discussion.
Also, one important thing to remember when reading a parable is that they
are always supposed to shock and surprise. In other words, it’s always
good to ask: what’s the catch in this parable? What’s the surprising part?
Where does this parable shock? This will influence the discussion inside.
Kid-friendly activity. An activity designed to help kids and adults grow in faith
together. Do this first, then dismiss the kids so the adults can talk.
A God Who Runs Activity
This week the kids will discuss the powerful parable of the lost son.
The hope is the the kids will learn more about the character of God.
Prep: Find a big space (in a yard if possible). Also find a “valueable”
object (something that the kids would love to have).
Delivery: Gather the kids to sing a song & take prayer requests.
Then reveal the valuable object and let them know one of them get
to take this object home—the person who gets to the object first!
Walk across to the other side of the yard and have the kids run to
the object. Give the object to the kid who arrives first.
Gather the kids together to read Luke 15:11-24. Then ask them.
 Why did you just run to the object in the backyard so fast?
 Why are some other reasons we run to things?
 Why do you think the father ran to his lost son in the story?
Say: One of the reasons Jesus tells this parable is to teach us about
God. And he teaches us that God is a God who runs towards lost
things. Why? Because they are so valuable to him. This is an
important reminder for us whenever we might feel lost. And it also
teaches us how we can respond to those around us who are lost.
Take up requests of individuals that are on the kids’ hearts.
Close with a prayer.
Luke 15: 11-32 – LOST: Squandered Wealth
By Wilson McCoy (wmccoy@collegehills.org)
The theme: It is easy to lose our way on the journey of faith. The
parable today reminds us of how easy and intentional that
moment can happen. However, the parable also surprises us
with a claim about God’s willingness to welcome us home and to
throw a party to celebrate. We often are afraid to head home to
such a God because we believe God is scarce in his love for us.
However, the parable reminds us God is abundant in welcoming
us home. This is the God Jesus believes in. This is the God we
can believe in too.
We are in a 4-week series called “LOST” by dwelling in Luke 15 for the
month of July. This week John Grant focused on the last parable in this
well-known chapter.
Leadership Announcement: On July 27 we will be having School
Store at College Hills. This Saturday is a great opportunity for your
group to serve together along with the rest of the church. Go ahead
and talk to your group about how you might be able to participate in
this great day. You might consider shopping for school supplies
together, packing backpacks early that week, or being here on the
day of School Store.
Relate
Use a few to introduce the theme, check everyone’s spiritual pulse, and
“break the ice.” No right or wrong answers – maybe goofy but not wrong! Look for
opportunities to affirm and encourage through these questions.
 What would you say is the best thing about summer?
 Do you tend to be a person who keeps a budget or spends it
when you get it?
 Where is the best place you went this summer?