Sunday, March 27
Lent 4 Reflection Guide – When It Goes to Waste
Opening
What is the most reckless thing you’ve ever done?
Scripture
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Scripture Reflection
This story is generally referred to as the Parable of the Prodigal Son, but could just as easily be called the Parable of the Prodigal Father – the father who “wastes” his love, his joy, his hope, his money, even his food on his wayward child. In this parable, God models for us how to love lavishly and to make that kind of loving a spiritual practice. For in God, no love is ever truly wasted.
Moment of Silent Reflection
Spend one full minute in silence as you consider the scripture and reflection.
Turn to Wonder
Why does Jesus tell this parable? Who is the main audience?
What does the word “prodigal” mean?1
How is the younger son reckless? How is the older son reckless? How is the father reckless?
Sometimes this story is told as if it is about returning. How is the story more about searching and finding? (Hint: Read verses 4-10 for further confirmation – the shepherd finds the lost sheep and the woman finds the lost coin.)
What do you think happens next in the parable? Do you think the older son learns to accept the actions of the father? Do you think the older son leaves the father and the brother?
Why do you think the parable ends open-ended?
How might the Pharisees and scribes be like the older son? How might we be like the older son?
What do we learn about God from this passage? What does this passage tell us about ourselves?
How might this parable be calling us to live? What might this parable be calling us to do?
Closing
Close your time together in a manner that is typical for you. Consider sharing joys and prayer concerns, then close in prayer.
Prodigal God,
We thank you that you continue searching for us
and that there is no land too distant for us
to wander outside the reaches of your love.
Help us accept our identity as those who have been found by your love.
May we learn to be as gracious to others as you have been to us.
Amen.
1Many assume “prodigal” has to do with acceptance or returning, however the word prodigal means “reckless.”