Two thousand years ago, Jesus told a simple story about a father and his two sons. This tale stands out because it is a story about each of us and our struggle with sin. Whether we identify with the rebellion of the younger son or the self-righteousness of the older brother, we all are in need of our Father’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. In this five-session video-based Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately), pastor and bestselling author John MacArthur provides fascinating new insights into this parable as he takes you step-by-step through each part of the tale. You will explore not only the shocking actions of the younger son in his rebellion but also the coldhearted attitude of the older brother toward his family. You will find a reflection of yourself in each of these two sons—and come to understand, in a fresh and new way, what God does to find you where you are and bring you back to Him. The Prodigal Son Study Guide includes video discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions. Sessions include: Parables: Unveiling God's Truth through Stories Repentance: Facing the Agony of Being Lost Forgiveness: Experiencing Our Father's Love Pretense: Looking Good Isn't Good Enough Grace: Receiving Our Most Amazing Gift Designed for use with The Prodigal Son Video Study 9780310081258 (sold separately).

Giving historical background, The Prodigal Son will reveal Christ's original message as intended for the Pharisees, the disciples, and the world today. --from publisher description.

Discover the best life is found in the love of your Father.

Boundless Love provides a detailed survey of the scholarship on Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the Prodigal Son--arguably the best loved and most familiar of Jesus' parables. Readers will find key insights regarding the teachings of the parable from leading experts on the Gospels including William Barclay, Kenneth Bailey, Fred Craddock, Luke Timothy Johnson, Henri Nouwen, Pheme Perkins, and N.T. Wright. Part I of this volume offers students of the Bible a firm grasp on the scholarly consensus regarding the parable's historical, literary, and theological contexts, as well as its wide-ranging applicability in today's world. Part II focuses on the exploration of the parable's potential contributions in discussions of reconciliation and draws on the insights of authors such as Annie Dillard, Sam Keen, Desmond Tutu, and Miroslav Volf. Boundless Love is thoroughly accessible and will appeal to both general readers and specialists.

The NIV is the world's best-selling modern translation, with over 150 million copies in print since its first full publication in 1978. This highly accurate and smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English has the largest library of printed and electronic support material of any modern translation.

The New York Times bestselling author of The Prodigal Prophet uncovers the essential message of Jesus, locked inside his most familiar parable. Newsweek called renowned minister Timothy Keller "a C.S. Lewis for the twenty-first century" in a feature on his first book, The Reason for God. In that book, he offered a rational explanation of why we should believe in God. Now, in The Prodigal God, Keller takes his trademark intellectual approach to understanding Christianity and uses the parable of the prodigal son to reveal an unexpected message of hope and salvation. Within that parable Jesus reveals God's prodigal grace toward both the irreligious and the moralistic. This book will challenge both the devout and skeptics to see Christianity in a whole new way.

Get an Easy-to-Understand Overview on the Parable of the Prodigal Son: Packed with engaging commentary, fascinating facts, and reflection questions, this easy-to-understand Bible Study pamphlet digs deeper into the beloved Parable of the Prodigal Son. Enjoy compelling life applications and relevant lessons on grace, anger, and compassion. Easily see how all the characters are “prodigals” with a quick-reference chart comparing the attitudes of the— Wayward Son Judgmental Older Brother Loving Father Explains the Historical Context of the Parable of the Prodigal Son Discover how Jewish culture, politics, and religion affected the meaning and lessons of the Prodigal Son parable. For instance, find out fascinating facts, including: Pigs were considered the most unclean animals in Jewish culture. Therefore, when the prodigal longed for pig food, it shows he hit rock bottom. The prodigal son’s request for his “share of the estate” was not just a desire for independence, but a sign of disrespect since family property was ordinarily given after the father’s death. The prodigal son parable is one of three parables Jesus shares in response to critical Jewish leaders. The joy of the father in finding his lost son is meant to teach the Jewish audience to have that same joy in finding their Messiah. Features Relevant Personal and Life Application Questions Whether you have children rebelling against their faith, family members no longer wanting to believe, or friends going through a mid-life faith crisis, discover lessons of healing, such as: How to show Christ-like forgiveness and grace in all relationships How parents can maintain an attitude of trust in God How all Christians can live out the grace the loving father showed to his son How to avoid being overwhelmed with anger and hurt and be willing to embrace our prodigals Includes In-Depth Character Studies on BOTH Prodigal Brothers Explains how both brothers are “prodigal” in their own way Provides key insights into the responses of the self-righteous older brother and the wayward younger brother Breaks down deeper into the reasons for the elder brother’s lack of compassion Shares Comforting Prayers for Those With Their Own “Prodigals” A prodigal is from a Latin word meaning a person who is “wasteful.” In this parable, the meaning is extended to suggest a person who is wasteful with their life. Whether the person is your own child who is rebelling against God, a Christian friend who doubts their faith, or a church member who is no longer sure of her belief, gain comfort with— Key prayers in the Bible as you wait on your prodigal child, friend or family member. Psalms for when you worry about your prodigal Psalms for protection for your prodigal Model prayer as you wait on your prodigal The Parable of the Prodigal Son Bible Study study tackles issues we all face today, and is perfect for Small groups covering the parables of Jesus, new Christians wanting to study God’s grace and forgiveness to all, and anyone needing a fresh reminder of the grace Christians are called to extend to all. Pamphlet has 14 panels, unfolds to 5.5 x 38” long, fits inside a Bible cover.

Join Matt Carter for this 8-session study as he walks students through the parable of the prodigal son.

With over a million copies sold, this classic work is essential reading for all who ask, “Where has my struggle led me?” A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted Henri Nouwen on an unforgettable spiritual adventure. Here he shares the deeply personal and resonant meditation that led him to discover the place within where God has chosen to dwell. As Nouwen reflects on Rembrandt’s painting in light of his own life journey, he evokes a powerful drama of the classic parable in a rich, captivating way that is sure to reverberate in the hearts of readers. Nouwen probes the several movements of the parable: the younger son’s return, the father’s restoration of sonship, the elder son’s resentfulness, and the father’s compassion. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger. The challenge to love as God loves, and to be loved as God’s beloved, will be seen as the ultimate revelation of the parable known to Christians throughout time, and is here represented with a vigor and power fresh for our times.

This Level One I Can Read! title is a retelling of the much-loved parable found in the New Testament. Full color.