GROW Guide March 7, 2021
The Narrow Way
Luke 15:1-32
Opening Question:
Share about a time when you lost something valuable or important to you. What did you do? Did you ever find the lost item? If so, what was your reaction?
Context:
Jesus used storytelling and parables to communicate his message with the crowds. In this reading, Jesus has 2 audiences: the tax collectors and sinners on one side, and the Pharisees and scribes on the other. The Pharisees and scribes would have been most similar to Jesus in learning and as followers of the Law, so they couldn’t understand his associating with sinners.
Discussion Questions:
In response to the grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus tells 3 stories: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. What do these 3 stories have in common? What differences do you notice?
What do you think these stories teach us? What is Jesus trying to tell those gathered?
In the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin, the thing that is lost doesn’t do anything to be found. Whereas in the story of the lost son, the younger son comes to his senses and makes his way back home. What might we learn about forgiveness and repentance from this?
Using your imagination, look at the parable of the lost son (or prodigal son) from each character’s perspective. What was each character thinking and experiencing?
If we look at the 2 audiences Jesus is speaking to as the brothers in this parable, the most important thing may be just that- they are brothers, and to see each other as such. What does it mean to be someone’s brother? What does it look like to be welcomed and celebrated and loved?
Take Home Questions:
If Jesus were telling these stories today, who might be the 2 audiences to whom he’d be speaking? How might they be seen as brothers and recognized as family?
Do you ever feel lost? If so, what do you do? Who do you talk to? What makes you feel found again? The truth is we’re never only one character in these stories- there are times when we are the one who stays and sometimes we’re the one who strays. The important thing is to remember where our home is, who loves us, and who we are family to. God loves you and always welcomes and celebrates when you return.