The Parables of Jesus - Lesson 3

By John Harrison

Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Objectives: By the end of this lesson the learner will be able to:

  1. Identify three historical-cultural questions that should be asked of this parable.
  2. Identify the primary lessons conveyed allegorically by the main characters.
  3. Determine contemporary applications for the parable of the prodigal son. O/H1 Teaching Aids and Materials:
  4. Easy to understand Bibles for every student (CEV, RSV, NAV, NIV, NRSV, etc.)
  5. A chalkboard, marker board, or overhead projector.

Lesson Plan for Conducting the Class

Introduction: (about 5-10 minutes)

  1. Begin class by welcoming members and any visitors; make all necessary class announcements; songs.
  2. Lead the class in a prayer that will include asking God for the courage to come back to God when we have sinned, gratitude for God's extravagant forgiveness and a heart that will rejoice enthusiastically for those who return to God.
  3. Q: Who would like to share what "fruits" they have observed being produced in their life since they accepted God's word? (Allow 2-3 learners to respond.)
  4. Q: Imagine a company where there was an older overachiever and a younger failed opportunist who gets back into the good favor of the boss. The older overachiever is a loyal company worker who believes that everybody should be self-sacrificing, cautious, and perform at the highest standard possible. The younger opportunist believes that in order to obtain personal goals one must take risks and perform with creativity, even if some professional standards are overlooked. Imagine that on one occasion the younger opportunist took a risk on a creative project that cost the company a loss of profit and brought about public humiliation. The younger employee is not fired but is kept on and put on a project with the older more cautious employee. What would you imagine these two workers' relationship to be like? (take 3-4 responses).
  5. Share with the learners the lesson objectives. O/H 1
  6. Have someone read the parable of the prodigal son. Luke 15:11-32

Learning Experiences: (about 20-25 minutes)

Part I: Three historical-cultural questions to ask of this parable

  1. Q: What things would someone need to know to hear this story like a 1st century Jew? (Take 2-3 responses) A: A Jewish audience would respond to this parable by focusing on:
      1. Any surprising unrealistic detail
      2. Any issue of shame or honor
      3. The allegorical meaning behind the main characters O/H 2

    At this time it may be important for you to explain to the learners what an allegory is. An allegory is a story where the characters, objects and actions have to be "decoded" for they symbolize a different reality. A very popular example of an allegory is John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. It tells the story of a man named Christian who travels and encounters different experiences. What it is really about, however, is the spiritual journey many believers in Christ undergo.

    Part ll: Identify the primary lessons conveyed allegorically

    1. Q: Who do the main characters symbolize? (Take 2-3 responses) A: Before giving the correct answer share with the class what early Patristic writers thought? - The Father = God - Prodigal Son = Sinners - Older Son = Pharisees O/H 3
    2. Q: What knowledge about God and moral lessons are conveyed in this parable? A:
    3. Sinners always have the opportunity to return to God and find forgiveness.
    4. God offers full and complete forgiveness to those that will accept it.
    5. God's people should rejoice at the extent to which God offers grace to the undeserving. O/H 4 Part lll: Making contemporary applications of the parable
    6. Q: Who was Jesus primarily criticizing? A: Pharisees.
    7. Q: Why was he criticizing the Pharisees? A: Because they complained that Jesus was eating and socializing with sinners. Explain to the class that by the term "sinners" (Luke 15:1) Luke does not mean simply non-Pharisees or less than scrupulous Jews. Rather, he meant those whom Jewish society in general saw as blatantly disobedient to law and dismissive of distinctive Jewish practices.
    8. Q: Who might Luke have thought would need this lesson during his time? A: Pharisaic Christians or those indignant about accepting less stringently observant Jews into the Christian community.
    9. Q: To whom should this parable be directed today? A: Summarize the learners' responses with these: (1) Christians who think they have committed a sin God will not forgive. Some people will turn their backs on Christ because they think their sin is too monstrous for God to forgive (i.e. abortion, child abuse, pornography, even murder). (2) Christians who struggle to believe that God has really forgiven them. Some people do not live each day with the joy and confidence that God has forgiven them. Instead they are overwhelmed with guilt and discouragement. (3) Christians who have shown consistent religious dedication and personal self-sacrifice but are displeased to see other Christians cheerfully forgiving those who were once unscrupulous but now repentant. Some people are agitated when Christians are very receptive to former prisoners, addicts, the homeless or social outcasts. O/H 5

    Application: (about 5-10 minutes)

    1. Ask someone to read the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4- 10). After they have read it, ask what pieces of the parable should be allegorically interpreted. Then see if the learners can summarize the main lessons.

    Assignment: (about 2 minutes)

    1. Find someone who was far from God for some time but then return repentantly to him. Communicate to that person how thrilled you are to have them as a brother or sister and how grateful you are for God's extravagant grace in both your lives.

    Lesson Wrap-up

    Review the lesson objectives. Let them know the title of next weeks lesson: Parable of the Talents

    Overhead 1

    Lesson Objectives

    1. Identify three historical-cultural questions that should be asked of this parable.
    2. Identify the primary lessons conveyed allegorically by the main characters.
    3. Determine contemporary applications for the parable of the prodigal son.

    Overhead 2

    What would catch the attention of a Jewish audience: Any surprising unrealistic detail Any issue of shame or honor The allegorical meaning behind the main characters

    Overhead 3

    Some Interpretations of Patristic Writers: The Father = God Prodigal Son = Sinners Older Son = Pharisees

    Overhead 4

    Major Lessons Conveyed by the parable of the Prodigal Son:

    1. Sinners always have the opportunity to return to God and find forgiveness.
    2. God offers full and complete forgiveness to those that will accept it.
    3. God's people should rejoice at the extent to which God offers grace to the undeserving.

    Overhead 5

    Who the parable of the Prodigal Son could be directed to today:

    1. Christians who think they have committed a sin God will not forgive.
    2. Christians who struggle to believe that God has really forgiven them.
    3. Christians who have shown consistent religious dedication and personal self-sacrifice but are displeased to see other Christians cheerfully forgiving those who were once unscrupulous but now repentant.

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