Prodigal Son Bible Study using the Discovery Bible Study Method
T he Prodigal Son Bible Study will be based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. This parable is recorded in Luke 15:11-32.
Consequently, this study will be executed using the Discovery Bible Study Method. Remember, the Discovery Bible Study Method helps you to read, discover, and apply the truths that are hidden in the stories in the Bible. And parables are a form of a story. Therefore, the Parable of the Prodigal Son is a perfect narrative to apply the Discovery Method.
Also remember, the Discovery Bible Study Method is made up of three (3) steps. These are Familiarisation, Comprehension, and Discovery – Find out more about the Discovery Bible Study Method here.
The Prodigal Son Bible Study
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Familiarisation
The first step in this Bible Study is to read the Parable of the Prodigal Son. And as you read the parable, you should seek to identify the characters and their respective actions. Don’t forget to capture the details of the parable.
Therefore, it is advisable to read the text several times. This is because familiarity is directly proportional to the number of times you read the parable. For example, if you read the parable 10 times, you will be 10 times familiar with it.
The New International Version of the Parable is as follows.
Younger Son Lost
Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons (11). The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them (12).
“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country, and there squandered his wealth in wild living (13). After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need (14). So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs (15). He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything (16).
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! (17) I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you (18). I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ (19) So he got up and went to his father (20a).
Younger Son Found
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him (20b).
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ (21)
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet (22). Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate (23). For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (24)
“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing (25). So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on (26). ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ (27)
Older Son Angered
“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him (28). But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. (29) But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ (30)
“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours (31). But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'” (32)
After familiarising myself with the text, I came up with the following. What have you come up with?
| Verse | Younger Son | Man | Elder Son |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Asked for his share of the estate | Divided his property among his 2 sons | |
| 13 | Gathered his share of the property and set off for a distant country, where he squandered his wealth on wild living | ||
| 14-16 | Hired himself to a citizen of that country | ||
| 17-20a | Thought and strategized about returning to his father and returned to him | ||
| 20b | Saw his younger son and ran to him | ||
| 21 | Admitted that he’d sinned against his father | ||
| 22-24 | Ordered his servants to clothe his younger son and host a celebration | ||
| 25-28a | Angry because of the celebration hosted for his brother and refused to attend the same | ||
| 28b | Pleaded with elder son to attend the celebration | ||
| 29-30 | Defended his position | ||
| 31-32 | Reasoned with his elder son |
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Comprehension
Now step into the shoes of each character and focus on their emotions and choices. And find out the motives behind their choices.
Consequently, I came up with the following.
| Character | Emotion | Choice | Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Younger son | Desperation – He was in need because of a severe famine
Repentance |
Hired himself out and then returned to his father
Sought for forgiveness |
Hunger |
| Man | Compassion and then joy (gladness) | Restored his son | Return of his younger son |
| Elder son | Anger | Declined to join the celebration in honor of his younger brother | No celebration had been held for him despite his good behavior |
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Discovery
Finally, identify the command that is geared towards love. Remember, Matthew 22:37-40 says: 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Also, identify the teaching, rebuke, correction, and/or training in righteousness (1 Timothy 3:16-17).
Consequently, I discovered
