Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Sermon Notes

1) The Prodigal Son, 1-3, 11-19

2) The Prodigal Father, 11-12, 17-24

3) The Other Lost Son, 1-3, 11, 25-32

Reflection questions:

1. How did the prodigal son (the younger brother) want his father’s things more than he wanted his father? How can God’s people be guilty of the same thing? See Psalm 73; Phil 4:10-13.

2. Read. vv. 13-14. Why was the younger son in need? Was it his fault? Was it all (including the famine) his fault? Are our bad circumstances always our fault alone? Prov. 5:3-4; John 9:1-3.

3. Why is the older brother so angry? How does he see the younger brother, and how does he see himself? (Cf. Luke 15:1-3) a.Consider this quote: “The proud and the self-righteous always feel that they are not treated as well as they deserve.” (Leon Morris, Tyndale NT Commentary: Luke, 261.)

4. Which brother was worse? Which was least deserving, more deserving? Before you answer, consider this quote: “I am both of those kinds of sinners, and maybe you are too. I am the selfish son who wants to go off and sin; I am also the stingy brother who prides himself on doing my duty. But there is grace for me in the Father’s love.” (Phil Ryken, Luke: Reformed Expository Commentary, 2:165)