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Inductive Study for Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son)
by Bobby Bruno Who are the major characters? Jesus; the Father and his two sons. What is written? The story is about a son who took his inheritance and spent it all on wild living. When he was broke, he decided to go back home and face his father, hoping to be forgiven, not realizing that his father was waiting for him to return. Loving him instead of rebuking him, the father lavished his returned alive son with a party to end all parties. The other son, who stayed with the father, got mad because the father never gave him a party. What is said? The father was very happy to see his son alive and well and forgave him and restored him to the son ship he had when he left home to live wildly. The other son rebuked his father for not giving him a party, even though he stayed and helped around the fields. The father told the angry son that all the father has is his, but that his brother has come back alive and is no longer lost. What are the major ideas and teaching? Forgiveness, love, family, relationships are more important than anything else, it's better to be a blessing than to always be looking out for a handout. When is it written? Jesus was talking to the crowds in which there were some Pharisees questioning Jesus' hanging around with sinners. How is it written or said? How did the event take place? As a parable. Why is this event happening? Some Pharisees were mocking Jesus for hanging around with sinners. Why is this person saying this? Jesus is showing the Pharisees and the people gathered around Him about how God welcomes sinners into the Kingdom of God. Why is this necessary? Jesus wanted to show everyone that it doesn't matter what you've done in the past, God will forgive you of all of your sins, mistakes, etc Why is this story told? In Jesus' day, sacrifices were the way to be forgiven and set free from your past sins. Why is this teaching included? Jesus wanted to show the people that there is another way to be set free from your sins, and to be included in the Kingdom of God. Jesus was setting a new way to be forgiven, that He was the sacrifice to be given up for all sins for all time. Why does this unit come before or after that unit? Jesus is teaching the people through parables all about what the Kingdom of God and Heaven are like, how valuable it is to covet and want both, and how valuable people are to God. Why does the teaching or writing matter to those involved? Jesus is establishing a new way to be set free of your sins. He is telling them through parables that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that He is the forgiver of sins through His death and resurrection on the cross. Structural Laws Repetition: I have sinned against heaven and against you. (v18/v21) Preparation/Introduction: (v11-20) Contrast: : The son compares himself to his father's servants. (v17) Climax: (v32). Cruciality/Pivot: (v20) Cause and Effect: (13-16). Harmony: (v32) Bobby Bruno was saved 15 years ago in a way that left him no doubt that Jesus wanted him to reach others with His great and abounding love. He started writing at the age of 12 and hasn't stopped since. He achieved Associates Degree in Biblical Studies from Ohio Christian University in early 2014. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |