Get the appExodus: A Group StudySample
What is this passage saying?
Jesus tells a parable about a wealthy son who receives his inheritance early and then squanders it on reckless living. The son returns home to the father, hoping to be taken in by the father as one of his servants. The father sees him returning from afar and runs to him, welcoming him home with an extravagant feast.
What is this passage teaching?
This beautiful parable is a reminder of the loving patience of the Father. Like the prodigal son, everyone has taken the gifts of the Father and squandered them. The breath God fills our lungs with is also used to blaspheme his name and assault his image-bearers. The energy and resources that fill our bodies and bank accounts are often spent pursuing destructive idols. All of it leaves us starving for something better: to return to the Father’s house. When the son returns, the father runs to him, welcoming him home. There is no explanation to be made, shame to be piled, or restitution to be paid. Instead of anger or resentment, the father celebrates with the best clothes, the best feast, and the best celebration. The wickedness of the son is met with the loyal love of his father.
How do I respond?
Like Israel and the prodigal son, the sinful temptation is always knocking on the door. In our flesh, there is a desire to take God’s good gifts and serve ourselves with them. When you sin, are you content to starve in the field with the pigs, or are you willing to come back to the Father’s house? Like Israel and the prodigal son, God’s loyal love is demonstrated most profoundly when you return to him from your sin. In Christ, there is no more condemnation left for you (Romans 8:1) – your debt is paid, your shame absorbed, and your innocence has been declared. All that is left for you is the best robe, the family rings, and a glorious feast. If you tremble to come to God in confession and repentance, remember the Father will run to you with open arms, welcoming you home once again. Come home, friend, the Father waits with anticipation to lavish His loyal love on you.
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About this Plan
Exodus is the compelling story of God's great deliverance of His people. As the Israelites are redeemed from slavery and brought into the wilderness, the crescendo of Exodus comes when God's presence dwells among His people. Join Thomas Road Young Adults on an 11-week journey through this book and experience God's great purpose to dwell in you.
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We would like to thank Thomas Road Baptist Church for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.trbc.org/trya
