DISCOVER MORE : TOGETHER
Our weekly devotional content ties back to the worship themes and scriptures from the previous Sunday. Dig deeper into what the Word and the message mean to you, and explore how you can deepen your walk with Christ through these resources.
In addition to the devotional resources, the "5 Minutes with God" sections are like spiritual snacks; small, quick, easy connections you can make as you go about your busy life.
Personal Devotion
November 17
Introduction: Jesus invites us to shine God’s light of welcome through our own lives. Let your light so shine is the invitation to connect God’s love for us with our actions to others. In the first reading, the apostle Paul captures this pattern in our key verse: Welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you.
Bible
Romans 15:5-9, 13:
5May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 5:13-16
13"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16Let your light shine so that others may see your good words and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Questions for Reflection
1. What are specific ways that you take to make an extra special welcome to someone. At home. At work.
2. In Romans, Paul speaks of harmony and mutual welcome. Why would he talk about this? What difference does it make to be aware that the church experienced division and conflict over who was a true Christian, on the basis of circumcision (that is on the basis of whether or not you were a Jew first). What does it mean for Paul to ask for harmony, welcome, in the midst of conflict?
3. What does Paul mean when he says: “Just as Christ has welcomed you.” The Romans never med Christ, how could they have experienced Christ’s welcome?
4. How do you experience Christ’s welcome today? In what ways?
5. How is Christ’s welcome a motivator?
a. As an example for your action?
b. As something you have experienced from Christ?
c. As Christ already welcoming someone today, so you are joining what Christ is doing?
6. What point do you think Jesus is trying to make about being salt and light? What would it mean to be a “saltless” follower? What is at stake for Jesus?
7. Why do you think we include this verse
about “let your light shine before others” at the end of the baptism? (Matt 5:16)
8. Identify 2-3 specific ways you can shine your light before others, so that others sand see the connection of the action to God?
9. Who are the people that are difficult for you to welcome in your life? What makes that so?
10. Salt adds flavor to a meal, but salt is not the meal. A building project may add flavor to someone’s experience at First, but it is not the meal itself. What is at the heart of welcome at First Lutheran of being light?
Discover More about the Message
Reflect on the message you heard in person or on-line. You can listen to the message online here.
https://firstlutherancr.org/resources/sermons
1. What is something you heard that was interesting or engaging?
2. Is there anything that raised a question or needed more explanation?
3. What is one thing you take with you? It may be something to do, something to trust, or a wisdom of insight to have.
Together with God in Prayer
OPTION 1—ONE WORD. Take time to reflect about your day, your concerns, and how God may be speaking to you. As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling? What might God be saying to you in this word?
OPTION 2: Reflect on the past 24 hours
Step 1: Ask God to calm your self and help you see your life from God’s perspective.
Step 2: Review the last 24 hours. What happened? What stands out? What captures your attention? What is a High and Low of this time? When did you experience God’s presence? When did you feel apart or distant from God?
Step 3: Give your day to God your day. Ask for forgiveness where needed. Give thanks.
Step 4: Look forward. How might you be more loving this day? What is God calling you to do?
Prayer—Who or What can you pray for today?
Close in the Lord’s Prayer—Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Five Minutes with God
(Optional)
INTRODUCTION: “You are the light of the world,” Jesus tells us, “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Inspiring words! Except when they aren’t. Some days we are darkened with despair, fear, illness, or loneliness. How can we light up a house? The world? No, Jesus. We don’t have it in us.
Yet, we do because Jesus himself is the light within us! We are his lanterns, lamps, and candles. We don’t create light; we receive it. We may need to clean our lanterns, trim our wicks, or move our candles out of the draft to shine more brightly, but Jesus is our light that cannot be blow out.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: How is the light of Jesus shining through you? What do you need to clean, let go of, or adjust so his light is seen? Reflect on how you might dim Jesus’ light and how you truly shine. Remember: even when life is hard, his light within us is constant.
Small Group
November 17
Five Minutes with God
(optional)
INTRODUCTION: “Jesus wept.” When we are torn apart by death and the anguish that comes with it, these words are a lifeline of comfort. Jesus understands our pain to the point of weeping himself. Jesus weeps with us. But hidden in Jesus’ tears is a promise: Jesus, who is the Resurrection and the Life, will wipe every tear from our eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more.” Jesus’ tears are a reminder of the end of all our tears. Jesus’ resurrection and life are the promise of resurrection and life for us.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Who are you grieving this week? Is your loss recent? One that happened decades ago but is still heart wrenching? Spend a quiet 5 minutes with God this week sharing your grief, your fears, your anger, your loneliness. If you start to cry, remember that Jesus weeps too, but he also promises the end of death, mourning, crying, and pain.
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction: Jesus invites us to shine God’s light of welcome through our own lives. Let your light so shine is the invitation to connect God’s love for us with our actions to others. In the first reading, the apostle Paul captures this pattern in our key verse: Welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you.
Bible
Romans 15:5-9, 13:
5May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 5:13-16
13"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16Let your light shine so that others may see your good words and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Opening Discovery
1. What are specific ways that you take to make an extra special welcome to someone. At home. At work.
More about the Scripture
1. In Romans, Paul speaks of harmony and mutual welcome. Why would he talk about this? What difference does it make to be aware that the church experienced division and conflict over who was a true Christian, on the basis of circumcision (that is on the basis of whether or not you were a Jew first). What does it mean for Paul to ask for harmony, welcome, in the midst of conflict?
2. What does Paul mean when he says: “Just as Christ has welcomed you.” The Romans never med Christ, how could they have experienced Christ’s welcome?
3. How do you experience Christ’s welcome today? In what ways?
4. How is Christ’s welcome a motivator?
As an example for your action?
As something you have experienced from Christ?
As Christ already welcoming someone today, so you are joining what Christ is doing?
5. What point do you think Jesus is trying to make about being salt and light? What would it mean to be a “saltless” follower? What is at stake for Jesus?
More about Life
1. Why do you think we include this verse
2. about “let your light shine before others” at the end of the baptism? (Matt 5:16)
3. Identify 2-3 specific ways you can shine your light before others, so that others sand see the connection of the action to God?
4. Who are the people that are difficult for you to welcome in your life? What makes that so?
5. Salt adds flavor to a meal, but salt is not the meal. A building project may add flavor to someone’s experience at First, but it is not the meal itself. What is at the heart of welcome at First Lutheran of being light?
Together in Prayer
1. As you look to the coming week, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.
2. Do you have any prayer concern that you would like to share? What is it?
Closing Prayer
Pray for the concerns shared in the group. Close in the Lord’s Prayer.
You may also use this prayer.
O God, we thank you for this time we have shared. We bring before you the joys and concerns of our heart. We pray especially for….. Grant us your healing and peace, in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Lord remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Team Devotion
November 17
Together in Community If there is a new person, welcome them and introduce group members.
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction: Jesus invites us to shine God’s light of welcome through our own lives. Let your light so shine is the invitation to connect God’s love for us with our actions to others. In the first reading, the apostle Paul captures this pattern in our key verse: Welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you.
Bible
Romans 15:5-9, 13:
5May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name"; 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 5:13-16
13"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
14"You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. 15No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16Let your light shine so that others may see your good words and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Question—Choose 1 (If there are 6 or more in the group, breakout in groups of 2 or 3.)
1. What are specific ways that you take to make an extra special welcome to someone. At home. At work.
2. In Romans, Paul speaks of harmony and mutual welcome. Why would he talk about this? What difference does it make to be aware that the church experienced division and conflict over who was a true Christian, on the basis of circumcision (that is on the basis of whether or not you were a Jew first). What does it mean for Paul to ask for harmony, welcome, in the midst of conflict?
3. What does Paul mean when he says: “Just as Christ has welcomed you.” The Romans never med Christ, how could they have experienced Christ’s welcome?
4. How do you experience Christ’s welcome today? In what ways?
5. How is Christ’s welcome a motivator?
a. As an example for your action?
b. As something you have experienced from Christ?
c. As Christ already welcoming someone today, so you are joining what Christ is doing?
6. What point do you think Jesus is trying to make about being salt and light? What would it mean to be a “saltless” follower? What is at stake for Jesus?
7. Why do you think we include this verse
about “let your light shine before others” at the end of the baptism? (Matt 5:16)
8. Identify 2-3 specific ways you can shine your light before others, so that others sand see the connection of the action to God?
9. Who are the people that are difficult for you to welcome in your life? What makes that so?
10. Salt adds flavor to a meal, but salt is not the meal. A building project may add flavor to someone’s experience at First, but it is not the meal itself. What is at the heart of welcome at First Lutheran of being light?
Together in Prayer
Connect with one another before prayer. Choose one of these options.
Option 1: One word—As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.
Option 2—Share High’s and Low’s
(If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.)
Prayer—We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer—Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Five Minutes with God
November 17
INTRODUCTION: “You are the light of the world,” Jesus tells us, “No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Inspiring words! Except when they aren’t. Some days we are darkened with despair, fear, illness, or loneliness. How can we light up a house? The world? No, Jesus. We don’t have it in us.
Yet, we do because Jesus himself is the light within us! We are his lanterns, lamps, and candles. We don’t create light; we receive it. We may need to clean our lanterns, trim our wicks, or move our candles out of the draft to shine more brightly, but Jesus is our light that cannot be blow out.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: How is the light of Jesus shining through you? What do you need to clean, let go of, or adjust so his light is seen? Reflect on how you might dim Jesus’ light and how you truly shine. Remember: even when life is hard, his light within us is constant.
Personal Devotion
November 10th
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction: In the parable, the father welcomes into his joy both the prodigal son who ran away, and the son who stayed. The invitation is to live in and out of God’s gracious welcome.
Bible
Luke 15:11-37
Scene 1
11So he told them this parable: 11b“There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country,
Scene 2
and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’
Scene 3
20So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
24for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’
And they began to celebrate.
Scene 4
25“Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”
Questions for Reflection
1. What is the most unusual party you have been invited to?
2. Let’s reimagine the parable from the perspective of the Father. What the father experiences. What the father sees. What the father does. Go through the parable, scene by scene from the father’s experience.
a. How does that change or alter the meaning of the parable?
b. What stands out for you about the father?
3. The father acts graciously, but like a fool. 1) Giving away his money. 2) Running to meet his son. 3) Going out to the older son to plead. Do the sons understand what the father is doing or is he wasting, his love?
4. How is the older son just as misguided as the younger son? He seems justified in his anger, but what is he missing out on?
5. Some faith traditions want to restrict the party of heaven to only the true believers. Others want to open the door to all. What do you think this parable has to say?
6. What helps you to experience faith as like a party? Or is this a nonsense question?
7. C.S. Lewis wrote a book, “Surprised by Joy,” about falling in love late in life. How does God surprise you by joy?
Discover More about the Message
Reflect on the message you heard in person or on-line. You can listen to the message online here.
https://firstlutherancr.org/resources/sermons
1. What is something you heard that was interesting or engaging?
2. Is there anything that raised a question or needed more explanation?
3. What is one thing you take with you? It may be something to do, something to trust, or a wisdom of insight to have.
Together with God in Prayer
OPTION 1—ONE WORD. Take time to reflect about your day, your concerns, and how God may be speaking to you. As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling? What might God be saying to you in this word?
OPTION 2: Reflect on the past 24 hours
Step 1: Ask God to calm your self and help you see your life from God’s perspective.
Step 2: Review the last 24 hours. What happened? What stands out? What captures your attention? What is a High and Low of this time? When did you experience God’s presence? When did you feel apart or distant from God?
Step 3: Give your day to God your day. Ask for forgiveness where needed. Give thanks.
Step 4: Look forward. How might you be more loving this day? What is God calling you to do?
Prayer—Who or What can you pray for today?
Close in the Lord’s Prayer—Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen
Five Minutes With God
(Optional)
INTRODUCTION: John tells us, “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Read John’s words above each day this week and write down what you discover about love each day. Put your discoveries in your own words and perhaps in the context of your own life. At the end of the week, ask yourself: what is love and how should I love others? Then, go share that love!
Small Group
Week Of November 10th
Five Minutes With God
(Optional)
INTRODUCTION: John tells us, “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Read John’s words above each day this week and write down what you discover about love each day. Put your discoveries in your own words and perhaps in the context of your own life. At the end of the week, ask yourself: what is love and how should I love others? Then, go share that love!
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction: In the parable, the father welcomes into his joy both the prodigal son who ran away, and the son who stayed. The invitation is to live in and out of God’s gracious welcome.
Bible
Luke 15:11-37
Scene 1
3So he told them this parable: 11b“There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country,
Scene 2
and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’
Scene 3
20So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
24for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’
And they began to celebrate.
Scene 4
25“Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”
Opening Discovery
1. What is the most unusual party you have been invited to?
More about the Scripture
1. Let’s reimagine the parable from the perspective of the Father. What the father experiences. What the father sees. What the father does. Go through the parable, scene by scene from the father’s experience.
a. How does that change or alter the meaning of the parable?
b. What stands out for you about the father?
2. The father acts graciously, but like a fool. 1) Giving away his money. 2) Running to meet his son. 3) Going out to the older son to plead. Do the sons understand what the father is doing or is he wasting, his love?
3. How is the older son just as misguided as the younger son? He seems justified in his anger, but what is he missing out on?
More about Life
1. Some faith traditions want to restrict the party of heaven to only the true believers. Others want to open the door to all. What do you think this parable has to say?
2. What helps you to experience faith as like a party? Or is this a nonsense question?
3. C.S. Lewis wrote a book, “Surprised by Joy,” about falling in love late in life. How does God surprise you by joy?
Together in Prayer
1. As you look to the coming week, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.
2. Do you have any prayer concern that you would like to share? What is it?
Closing Prayer
Pray for the concerns shared in the group. Close in the Lord’s Prayer.
You may also use this prayer.
O God, we thank you for this time we have shared. We bring before you the joys and concerns of our heart. We pray especially for….. Grant us your healing and peace, in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer
Lord remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Team Devotions
Week of November 10th
Together in Community
If there is a new person, welcome them and introduce group members.
Discover Scripture and Life
Introduction- In the parable, the father welcomes into his joy both the prodigal son who ran away, and the son who stayed. The invitation is to live in and out of God’s gracious welcome.
Bible
Luke 15:11-37
Scene 1
3So he told them this parable: 11b“There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So he divided his property between them. 13A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country,
Scene 2
and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’
Scene 3
20So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
24for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’
And they began to celebrate.
Scene 4
25“Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”
Question—Choose 1 (If there are 6 or more in the group, breakout in groups of 2 or 3.)
1. What is the most unusual party you have been invited to?
2. Let’s reimagine the parable from the perspective of the Father. What the father experiences. What the father sees. What the father does. Go through the parable, scene by scene from the father’s experience.
a. How does that change or alter the meaning of the parable?
b. What stands out for you about the father?
3. The father acts graciously, but like a fool. 1) Giving away his money. 2) Running to meet his son. 3) Going out to the older son to plead. Do the sons understand what the father is doing or is he wasting, his love?
4. How is the older son just as misguided as the younger son? He seems justified in his anger, but what is he missing out on?
5. Some faith traditions want to restrict the party of heaven to only the true believers. Others want to open the door to all. What do you think this parable has to say?
6. What helps you to experience faith as like a party? Or is this a nonsense question?
7. C.S. Lewis wrote a book, “Surprised by Joy,” about falling in love late in life. How does God surprise you by joy?
Together in Prayer
Connect with one another before prayer. Choose one of these options.
Option 1: One word—As you reflect about your day, what is one word that summarizes how you are feeling.
Option 2: Share High’s and Low’s
(If there are 6 or more in the group, then share high’s and low’s in small groups of 2 or 3.)
Prayer—We thank you God for bringing us together. We give thanks and praise for the good gifts you have given us. For the concerns and challenges we experience, help us to give them to you in the confidence of your loving care for us. In our sharing and listening, open us to your presence. Amen.
Lord’s Prayer—Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Five Minutes with God
INTRODUCTION: John tells us, “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Read John’s words above each day this week and write down what you discover about love each day. Put your discoveries in your own words and perhaps in the context of your own life. At the end of the week, ask yourself: what is love and how should I love others? Then, go share that love!
