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Life truths from a story Jesus told.

(From Luke 15:11-32)

In the book written by Luke, we find a library of parables, or stories Jesus told that display with great clarity how Jesus understood our life struggles…

– This quiz digs into the story of two brothers, one who abandons his father’s care and teachings for what he thinks will be a wonderful life of self-centered pleasure, and also the thinking of the faithful son.

So let’s discover what we can find in this life story from Luke 15:11-32…

Luke 15:11-13… (GNB) Jesus went on to say, “There was once a man who had two sons.  (12)  The younger one said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the property now.’ So the man divided his property between his two sons.  (13)  After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living.

— Q1. What does Jesus reveal about our human desires in these verses?

a/ The human desire for adventure and pleasurable living.

b/ The unrest of children who long to break away from their parent’s control.

c/ The fact of how our seeking of self-centered living only gives pleasure for a short time.

d/ All of these above.

Vs.14-17… He spent everything he had. Then a severe famine spread over that country, and he was left without a thing.  (15)  So he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him out to his farm to take care of the pigs.  (16)  He wished he could fill himself with the bean pods the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything to eat.  (17)  At last he came to his senses and said, ‘All my father’s hired workers have more than they can eat, and here I am about to starve!

— Q2. Jesus again reveals in the telling of this story, that He understands another fact of life…
– What does He show us here?

a/ That money doesn’t last very long in the party lifestyle.

b/ Life contains hard times for every life some ‘storms’ will fall.

c/ If you live long enough seeking self pleasures, there will be times of regret.

d/ All of these above.

I want to stop briefly here to think about how wonderful it is that Jesus,
the Holy Son of God, understands our struggles.

Vs.18-19… I will get up and go to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against God and against you.  (19)  I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers.” ‘

— Q3. What do we find in these verses?

This son… a/ repents of his foolish decisions.     b/ decides to hold onto his pride and tough it out.

— Q4. How is true repentance displayed in Vs.19 from this story told by Jesus?

Repentance…  a/ demands a reward.     b/ expects gracious support.     c/ is truly humble.

Vs.20… So he got up and started back to his father. “He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him.

— Q5. In this story, what kind of a father is Jesus describing?

a/ a judgmental father.     b/ a hurting and loving father.     c/ a hard uncaring father.

(Cont’d on Pg.#2)

(Pg.#2 of quiz on Luke 15:11-32.)

— Q6. Why is Jesus describing a loving father and not a stern, strict, or abusive father?

Because…  a/ He doesn’t understand a judgmental father.     b/ He is describing God our loving father.

Vs.21-24… ‘Father,’ the son said, ‘I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.’  (22)  But the father called to his servants. ‘Hurry!’ he said. ‘Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet.  (23)  Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast!  (24)  For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.’ And so the feasting began.

— Q7. In this story, Jesus is revealing to us what God the Father is waiting to hear from a returning wayward child… What is God needing to hear from us?

a/ A complaint and sad story.     b/ An admission of guilt and a plea for forgiveness.     c/ A passing of blame.

— Q8. How does the father react?

a/ With unconditional love.     b/ With an “I told you so!”.     c/ By listing the hurts the child has caused him.

Vs.25-28… “In the meantime the older son was out in the field. On his way back, when he came close to the house, he heard the music and dancing.  (26)  So he called one of the servants and asked him, ‘What’s going on?’  (27)  ‘Your brother has come back home,’ the servant answered, ‘and your father has killed the prize calf, because he got him back safe and sound.’  (28)  The older brother was so angry that he would not go into the house; so his father came out and begged him to come in.

— Q9. Where has the faithful son been all day?

a/ At the local bar.     b/ Sitting around with his friends.     c/ Working in his father’s fields.

— Q10. How would you describe his reaction?

a/ Understandable.     b/ Hardhearted.     c/ Both a & b.

— Q11. What do you see in this about the understanding of Jesus the storyteller?

He…  a/ understands the conflicts here.     b/ recognizes human hurts.     c/ Both a & b.

Vs.29-30… But he spoke back to his father, ‘Look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends!  (30)  But this son of yours wasted all your property on prostitutes, and when he comes back home, you kill the prize calf for him!’

— Q12. What is the source of this son’s hurt?

He…  a/ feels neglected and unappreciated.     b/ he is jealous.     c/ Both a & b.

Vs.31-32… ‘My son,’ the father answered, ‘you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours.  (32)  But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.’ “

— Q13. What is Jesus teaching us of His Father’s view of these common human failings and feelings?

He…  a/ wants us to put away rivalry and also learn to love unconditionally.

b/ has rewards for faithful service.     c/ Both a & b.

Even if we don’t have these rivalries in our own relationships, I hope we can take with us a wonderful fact of God that Jesus was trying to teach in this parable… God understands our conflicts, His love remains unconditional, and He wants us to “walk on higher ground”. God bless! …(KK)

(Click here for a PDF copy of Pg.#1)

(Click here for a PDF copy of Pg.#2)