Here is a plan to read, reflect, and respond to the Parable of the Lost Son found in Luke 15:11-32.

Day 1
Focus on Luke 15:24-32. The entire parable begins at verse 11. If you missed part 1, start here.

This Reflection on Reality challenges our assumption of being good and earning our salvation. It offers us an alternative understanding of what it means to be a Christ-follower.

Day 2

Read Luke 15:25-27
Reflect and respond: How do you react when you feel like you are not important to the people around you?

Day 3

Read Luke 15:28-30
Reflect and respond: When have you been angry because someone gets something (especially if you have determined they don’t deserve it) that you feel like you have earned or deserve?

Day 4

Read Luke 15:31
Reflect and respond: Can you think of a time you were the center of your own goodness? You never strayed from what you were supposed to do, you never broke the rules, and you deserved to get a little more or better than those around you?

Day 5

Read Luke 15:32
Reflect and respond: Who is included in God’s grace? Is there anyone not included?

Day 6

Read Luke 15:25-32
Reflect and respond: After reading the story of the older son again, how do you respond to God’s compassion?

Day 7

Read Luke 15:11-32
Reflect and respond: Both sons are welcomed home; one who went off to the “far country” and the other who has always been with his father. As the older son, would you go to the party for your younger brother?