Prodigal Son
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class focused on the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, presenting him as the central figure who exemplifies secretive, self‑righteous sin. The teacher explained two categories of sin: straightforward sin, driven by pride and openly rejecting God (illustrated with Romans 1:28 and the themes of Hosea), and secret sin, where a person appears outwardly devout while harboring resentment and spiritual loss. By analyzing Luke 15:1 and Luke 15:25‑30, the discussion revealed how the older brother’s anger and sense of entitlement reflected a hidden malaise that mirrors many believers today. The session also considered the reactions of the scribes and Pharisees, who would have been horrified by the father’s gracious response to the wayward son. The teacher emphasized that Jesus told the parable to challenge listeners to think beyond surface appearances and to recognize God’s inclusive love. The conclusion urged participants to examine their own hearts for secret sin and to embrace the father’s invitation to celebrate repentance and restoration.
Key Scriptures
And he said, A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me. And he divided unto them the living. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together and journeyed into a far country, and there wasted his substance with prodigal living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: but no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger here! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make thou me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger, and shoes on his feet: and bring the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now the elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and inquired what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: and his father came out, and entreated him to come in. But he answered and said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither have I ever transgressed thy commandment; and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make a feast with my friends: but as soon as this thy son came, which hath devoured thy substance with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said to him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that is mine is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.