#20 Compassion and the Kingdom OR God’s Loving Heart for His Children Luke 15:11-32 © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 1 #20: Compassion and the Kingdom INTRODUCTION Brief Overview of Today’s Story: To give us a summary picture of his loving actions and ministry purpose, Jesus tells a mixed audience a story of a loving Father who shows radical compassion on his two lost sons, inviting them to be reconciled to Himself and to each other. Summary Verse: “For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 Introduction to Today’s Story and Themes: If someone asked what was it that made Jesus and Christianity any different than Buddha and Buddhism or from any other great religious movements or leaders, how might you answer? “Isn’t everyone basically good and aren’t all religions just different roads that lead to the same end?” John 1 fueled one significant response we could give: Jesus was both fully God and fully human at the same time-and He came to dwell right here among us! Last week, we learned that Jesus came to do more than just give us a moral code to help make nice people who earn their way into God’s eternal favor. Jesus was sent to speak to us as God did at creation, to give us a word of liberty that breaks the chains of our captivity…to grant us joy in our mourning…to make us like Him, ministers of blessing and restoration in the lives of others. In a sense, every theme in our New Testament study highlights particulars of Christ’s distinctiveness and Christianity’s uniqueness. Our story today, then, the Parable of the Loving Father, reveals another one of those distinctives. In the form of a story, Jesus summarizes his entire earthly ministry and its motivation: God’s love and compassion for his children. The Old Testament at its core (Ex. 34:6-7, e.g.) carried a theology of God being “slow to anger and compassionate.” “His love endures forever,” exclaimed the Psalmist. Nevertheless, the warlike culture of the Israelites… their supreme reverence for the transcendent and holy God…the silence and discipline of God in their past…the oppression of the Romans in their present…their lack of God seeming present in the present…the universal experience of self-condemnation… the conditional nature of human love …these all combined to make God’s love and compassion far less real to the Israelites than God’s wrath, holiness or power. People in the OT and Jesus’ day felt that the primary burden of reconciliation with God rested squarely on their ability to initiate repentance. Does this sound familiar? We too live in a world where God’s love is sung of, spoken of but more rarely believed deeply or experienced extravagantly. For all our advantages over the folks in the O.T., many of us live under the emotional shadow of an angry or aloof Deity and the curse of shame and self-hatred. No wonder then that the church is not yet known for our love and compassion toward others! We love as we are loved. So let His kisses and perfect love cast out our fears and raise our heads high. Truly the remarkable news of God being compassionate toward us is a bedrock revelation of Christ, and revealed nowhere with more beauty than in this week’s story. "Many years ago I was driven to the conclusion that the two major causes of most emotional problems among many Christians are these: the failure to understand, receive, and live into God's unconditional grace and forgiveness; and the failure to give out that unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace to other people...We read, we hear, we believe a good theology of grace. But that's not the way we live. The good news of the Gospel of grace has not penetrated the level of our emotions." David Seamands © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 2 LOOKING AT THE STORY (Summary): To do before the group gathering READINGS: (Be sure you have already read the Introductions on page 2) #1 – SETTING UP THE STORY: Read this on the following page, which provides some Biblical and historical context for today’s passage. #2 – PASSAGE: Read LUKE 15:11-32 from your Bible, preferably out loud. Imagine yourself in the midst of the story as you read, engaging both your mind and your feelings. #3 – REREAD the passage using the two outlines on the following two pages 5-6. Read both the bible story as well as the corresponding titles for each section (A, A’, e.g.) found on the right. Note the poetry, flow and symmetry of the story. As much as possible, imagine yourself first as the father as you read the passage. In a final, third reading, choose either the story of the younger son (p. 5) or the story of the older son (p. 6). Read the same outline of the story. Answer the questions at the bottom of your outline section. #4 – DIGEST the following paragraph, an overview of the outline and comparison of the two sons/two parts of the parable: At the beginning of the parable, a living father is wished dead. Both sons’ speech to the father comes right in middle and is the climactic center of both stories. Both sons get more and more lost until the story’s center, where one son moves closer to the father and the other only farther away. The first speech is given by a son who knows he is in trouble and who knows where relief is; the 2nd speech by the older son is a complaint. The Father’s speeches are similar in emphasis: radical love and an invitation in some ways almost identical to both sons. In the first story, a dead son is found alive and comes home. In the 2nd story, a father is wished dead a second time, and we are left not knowing whether this son is found or comes alive. Sons are both lost but differ in how they are lost and in their response to radical love. #5 – RETELLING: Read (ideally, out loud) today’s passage rewritten from the 1st person perspective of one of the story’s character. You will find it on the website under this lesson. What stands out to you as you experience the story from this perspective? STUDY OPTIONS to delegate: #1 – Reflection Chart (see p. 11) #2 – Appendix #1: Cultural Background from Commentaries (see website under this lesson for appendices) #3 – Appendix #2: The Theological Cluster for The Story of the Two Sons (Ken Bailey) © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 3 SETTING UP THE STORY 1. SINNERS: Read 15:1-2: what audiences were there listening to Jesus’ audience? Luke names two; can you think of another? 2. READ what comes before our story: Luke 15: 3-10 (Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Lost Coin). What are three primary actions of both parables? (Write in below the three verbs with a short sentence) What is the primary message of these parables to the two audiences of Luke 15:1-2 who were listening? 3. The Literary Genre: This is a parable: What is a parable? (see the Web or a Bible Dictionary) How did Jesus use them and why? (see Mark 4:11-13) 4. Those who will study the younger son (Lu. 15:11-24) should fill out the second column below. 5. Those who will study the older son (Lu 15:25-32) the third column below. Their “glasses” (i.e., their perceptions and feelings toward): HOW SINNERS & TAX COLLECTORS SAW… HOW THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS SAW… …RELIGIOUS LEADERS? …SINNERS? …the God of Israel/Yahweh …Jesus …Themselves …the other group present Where do the disciples’ perceptions fit in with these audiences above? Who might identify with most? Why? © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 4 THE STORY OF THE YOUNGER SON IN OUTLINE FORM: Luke 15:11-24 11 Then Jesus said, "There was a man who had two sons. INTRO TO BOTH SONS/STORIES 12 A The younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. EXTRAVAGENT GIVING/ A SON IS LOST AND MOURNED 13 B 1 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 2 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 14 15 16 EVERYTHING LOST 1. Son’s squandering 2. Land’s famine/Son’s need C a) So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, EXTREME CHOICE OF ALIENATION/ b) and he sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. DISTANCE FROM FATHER b’) He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; a’) and no one gave him anything. 17 D But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! THE SON’S “SEES HIS PROBLEM” (Compares to Hired Hands) 18 D’ a) I will arise and come to my father, and I will say to him, b) ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; b’) I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired hands.’" a) So he arose and came to his father. THE SON’S “SEES HIS SOLUTION” (Become one of Hired Hands) 19 20 C’ a) But while he was still far off, b) his father saw him b’) and was filled with compassion; a’) he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 22 23 24 B’ 1 Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' EXTREME CHOICE OF MERCY/ FATHER’S CLOSENESS TO THE SON EVERYTHING RESTORED 1. Son’s repentance 2. Father’s Grace/Son’s restoration 2 But the father said to his slaves, ‘'Quickly, bring out a robe -- the best one -- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. A’ a And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; b for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; b' he was lost and is found!' a’ And they began to celebrate. EXTRAVAGENT GIVING/ A SON IS FOUND AND CELEBRATED (NRSV) What do you notice when you look at the flow of the story above? Which parts of the story seem most important or the climax? © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 5 THE STORY OF THE OLDER SON IN OUTLINE FORM: Luke 15:25-32 25 A 1 “Now his elder son was in the field; 2 and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 3 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 26 BROTHER STANDS ALOOF FROM FATHER (& BROTHER) B 1 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, & your father has killed the fatted calf, 1 FATHER IS CELEBRATING 2 because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 2 REASON: BROTHER IS ALIVE 27 C 1 Then he became angry and refused to go in. 2 So His father came out and began to plead with him. 28 D D’ 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! 1 For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; 2 yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 1’ But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, 2’ you killed the fatted calf for him!’ C’ 1’ The Father said, “My Son, You are always with me, 2’ and all that is mine is yours. 30 B’ 1’ But we had to celebrate and rejoice, 2’ because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ” 31 SON’S DISTANCE AND FATHER’S COSTLY LOVE 1 SON’S ACTIONS/ 2 SON’S REWARD 1’ BROTHER’S ACTIONS 2’ BROTHER’S REWARD FATHER’S PRESENCE AND COSTLY LOVE 1 FATHER HAD TO CELEBRATE! 2 REASON: BROTHER HAS COME TO LIFE! A’ (MISSING!! STORY IS PURPOSELY LEFT UNENDED; THE AUDIENCE MUST FINISH THE STORY!) What else do you notice when you look at the flow of the story above? Which parts of the story seem most important or the climax? Why doesn’t Jesus “end the story?” or…What impact might this omission have on the hearers? The following possible ending is based on both the story’s Hebrew audience and its parallel (A) and literary structure (see A 1-2-3 above as starting “outline” possibility). It is of course the response Jesus wants the elder brother (Pharisees and even in some way, his disciples) to have as well. A’ 1’ Elder Brother comes into the house 2’ He danced to the music, celebrated. 3’ He talked and reconciled with his brother and father. How do you think the Pharisees who were listening respond to and “finish” this story? © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 6 LISTENING TO THE STORY: Questions to do during the gathering “Lord, may we be empowered to hear today’s story with fresh ears. Help us consider together how the words, actions and feelings of its characters help us authentically explore the lesson’s theme and the questions below. Spirit, speak to our perceptions and misperceptions, to life as it is and as it should be here on earth, for our own lives and also those we serve in our community.” 1. THE GOD QUESTION: Brainstorm several important ways God spoke, acted, felt and related to the characters of this story. Which one do you consider particularly relevant to your life and especially to those you serve and to the last, least or lost? Why?. 2. KINGDOM RELATIONSHIPS: Brainstorm several important ways the story’s characters acted, spoke, felt and related to God, people and/or the created world. Which one do you consider particularly relevant to your life and especially those you serve and to the last, least and lost? Why? 3. THE BIGGER STORY FIT: How do the characters and happenings of this week’s story remind you of characters and stories we have already covered in the OT? How are Jesus’ life, experiences and teachings similar to that of this Old Testament story? How are they different? Why is the “Jesus difference” important? © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 7 LEANING INTO A KINGDOM THEME: Resource to be used after the group gathering Major Themes of the week: LOVED BY GOD/LOVING OTHERS “We need prayer to understand God’s love for us. We are precious to Him. That man dying in the street- precious to Him. That millionaire- precious to Him. That sinner- precious to Him. Because He loves us… Whatever form we are- able or disabled, rich or poor…what matters is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing-a lifelong sharing of love with others.” Mother Teresa “Why pay so much attention to the sons (in this parable) when it is the father who is in the center and when it is the father with whom I am to identify? Why talk so much about being like the sons when the real question is: are you interested in being like the father? It feels somehow good to be able to say, “these sons are like me.” It gives a sense of being understood. But how does it feel to say: “the father is like me”? Do I want to be like the father? Do I want to be not just the one who is being welcomed home, but also the one who welcomes home; not just the one who received compassion but the one who offers it as well?” Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal “Dear God, I bet it is very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world, there are only four people in our family and I can never do it.” Nan, “Children’s Letters to God” Questions about the theme in our everyday lives, our neighborhood, workplace, church and ministry today: 1. LIFE STORY: How does the theme of today’s story connect with your life story? Describe some experiences you have had (one time or regular) of God’s love for you? When, where, how? Remember a time or relationship where you felt unconditionally loved by people. 2. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS: What relationship is there between receiving God’s love and giving God’s love to those in our life/ministry? What do your church/ministry’s teachings or actions say about God’s compassion and love? 3. GROUP EXERCISE: What is one struggle you have in really knowing God loves you just as you are, and especially when you are at your worst? Why is this hard for you? How is God inviting you to show the Father’s kind of love to someone you work with? Be specific. Other Possible Issues and themes: Compassion and Self Hatred “The Father couldn’t stop kissing him.” A Paraphrase of Luke 15:21 "Open your compassion to all God's disciples. Don't be put off by appearance or age. Don't fret about those who seem to be penniless, ragged, ugly or feeble, and turn away from them. For within their human form dwells hidden the Father and the Son who died for us and rose with us." Clement of Alexandria (Early Church Father) © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 8 LINKING GOD’S STORY TO MINE “How am I hearing God’s voice today? How can I explore and articulate with words what the Spirit is stirring up in me? Below are some ways to link God’s story to your own through written reflection. WHO YOU WRITE TO– Explore God’s word to You by writing a letter or dialogue that involves two from the following characters (circle one or write below): You God a character in the Bible story A community or family member or friend someone you serve team member Something God’s Spirit has put on your heart Name______________________________ WHAT YOU WRITE– Consider using the categories of Know, Be, Go (see prompts below if needed) to direct and deepen your reflections on this lesson’s story and themes. 1. KNOW: How can I summarize – succinctly and clearly – the heart of what this lesson is all about? What is God inviting me to know and believe more deeply about Himself? About myself or others or the world and culture I live in? How is Holy Spirit challenging my perceptions or the cultural assumptions that affect my vision and behavior? 2. BE: How is God inviting me to become more like His Son, more who I already am and who I also was meant me to be? Is there an area of freedom or healing that surfaced for me in this lesson? What do I need from God in order to grow or help others grow? 3. GO: How is God nudging me about my current way of serving others in my organization and my city? Who amongst those I serve is God putting on my heart today and how is He inviting me to help them grow? How am I being challenged to serve or relate to someone specific in my community, someone who is different than me or someone more vulnerable than me? Starting my written reflection: (start with your heart, ok to use just words/phrases, no self editing or stopping, let it flow! Use the back to finish) © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 9 LIVING INTO THE STORY: Pick and volunteer now from below for after the gathering Note: Be prepared to share with the whole group briefly about what you chose to do. #1: READ – what others say about these ideas Go to the website for this lesson and, under the “Featured Readings” link, read the Robert Lupton, Theirs is the Kingdom selection or one of the other readings available there. Go online or to a selected book to find a chapter, article, blog, sermon, video related to the story or the theme. Name it here below: #2: REFLECT – on what God is saying to you and/or the world WRITTEN REFLECTION: using the “Linking God’s Story to Mine” page, write two or more paragraphs to deepen and articulate what you have experienced in this story. How is God specifically speaking into your life or ministry context? SHARE with someone in person using the WRITTEN REFLECTION outline as your starting guide. TRANSLATING: In two paragraphs, summarize today’s story – or a theme, challenge, tension or question that was raised. Write your entry to someone outside the faith or your own comfort zone. Use language that is both Biblically accurate and culturally sensitively. Then actually share with your thoughts with them. #3: RESPOND – in action OBEYING GOD’S VOICE: Be aware of how God has spoken to your heart in this week’s gathering and your time preparing and following up. Name and commit to the doing specific (what, when, where) for someone this week. CREATE OR FIND: create a poem, song, picture, talk outline, small group discussion, 1/1 sharing, ministry strategy implication that connects to or flows out of today’s lesson OR find a blog, video clip or contemporary song that is related to our story/theme and could ideally be share with those you serve. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IDEA: Visit or volunteer at a local food bank and find out their story. “If a leader publicly discloses his failure, he has to brace himself for trouble. Such an admission troubles the self righteous and the prodigal alike. A leader who names personal failure is saying, ‘there is always a way back home for anyone desperate enough to embrace what is true about the heart of man and the heart of God.’ Both the prodigal and the self righteous older brother don’t want to be foolish or desperate. Therefore the honest leader who confesses he is both wayward and self righteous disturbs the hubris of both.” Dan Allender, Leading with a Limp © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 10 Reflection Chart: The Two Sons TABLE BELOW: In light of your discoveries in this study, fill in the columns below looking at each of the two sons. Consider sharing what you have learned with another person at your church or in your ministry setting. Issues to Consider: Luke 15:11-32 The Younger Son Story The Older Son Story (vv. 11-20a) WHAT DID THIS SON LOSEOR WHAT HAD HE ALREADY LOST- IN THIS STORY? Consider: 1. His relationship to his Father 2. His rebellion and actions 3. His speech to Father 4. Heart attitude/emotions 5. His relationship with brother 6. His relationship with his town 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. 5. 5. 6. 6. (vv. 20b-21) HOW DID THE FATHER LOVE AND SEEK TO RESTORE (“FIND”) THE LOST SON Consider: (vv. 25-27) (vv. 28, 31) 1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3. 1. The Father’s actions 2. His heart attitudes/emotions 3. His words (vv. 22-24) INVITATION AND RESPONSE (v. 32) 1. How does the Father invite the 1. son to celebrate and be restored to himself/his brother? 1. 2. How does the Son respond to this invitation? 2. © 2012 John Lewis. All Rights Reserved. 2. 11