1. Parable of the Lost Son (who became a pig farmer) July 5

2. Think About It … What kinds of things can be lost but are worth finding? What does it take to find one of these lost items? Why would you not go looking for something that is lost? Today’s lesson is about what is lost and what is worth finding at all costs.

3. Listen for what became lost. Luke 15:11-16 (NIV) Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. [12] The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. [13] "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.

4. Listen for what became lost. [14] After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. [15] So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. [16] He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

5. Sinful Behavior What did the younger son ask his father to do? Why do you think the younger son wanted to leave home and go out on his own? What do the son’s actions reveal about his character?

6. Sinful Behavior What possible words or phrases might express the father’s attitude or feelings at this turn of events? What did the younger son do after arriving in the distant country? Some people today similarly “decide to be lost.” In our spiritual journeys, what could we identify as a “distant country” that younger (or even older) people get into?

7. Sinful Behavior What was the end result of this trip of independence? Note the Jewish attitude towards pigs: – Jewish law declared pigs as unclean animals, so Jews did not raise pigs or eat pork. – Anyone who ate pork was banned from the Temple. – Therefore, the pig came to symbolize paganism. In light of his Jewish background, what thoughts do you think the young man had?

8. Listen for how the young man starts thinking straight. Luke 15:17 – 20a (NIV) "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! [18] I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' [20] So he got up and went to his father.

9. Sincere Repentance What made the younger son decide to return home? What would be the difference in the attitudes of hating your circumstances versus having true repentance? What are some ways in which a person demonstrates true repentance? Hate Your Circumstances True Repentance

10. Listen for how the father responds to the return of his wastrel son. Luke 15:20b – 24 (NIV) "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. [21] "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' [22] "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.

11. Listen for how the father responds to the return of his wastrel son. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. [23] Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. [24] For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.. [25] "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.

12. Listen for how the father responds to the return of his wastrel son. [27] 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' [28] "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. [29] But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.

13. Listen for how the father responds to the return of his wastrel son. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. [30] But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' [31] " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. [32] 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.' "

14. Reconciliation with God How did the father react to the return of his son? Why would someone rejoice over a child (who had given them all that grief) coming back from one of these “distant country” experiences? What was wrong with the older brother’s reaction to his brother’s return?

15. Reconciliation with God What kinds of feelings do we sometimes have when we see someone honored who has returned from God after an escapade into sin? Why is self-righteousness such a subtle sin for us to deal with? How can we keep this attitude of self- righteousness from interfering with our response to sinners who have repented?

16. Application We tend to respond with different levels of compassion to different kinds of people. – Think about how much God loved them (the same as He loved you) – Consider how much heaven will rejoice when that person comes to Jesus (same as when you came to Jesus)

17. Application If someone you know has recently come to Jesus, or you know of the anniversary of their salvation experience … – Help them celebrate – Fellowship with them – Have a meal together … what about a spiritual birthday cake!! – This might be especially good for a young person – Might be even better for an elderly person who came to Jesus!

18. Application Start a prayer list of people you know who need Jesus – Pray for them daily – Ask God for an opportunity to share the gospel message with them – Join others in a witnessing ministry in your church – Prepare to celebrate when Jesus answers your prayers!

19. Parable of the Lost Son (who became a pig farmer) July 5