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Module 3 Question 4

Module 3 Question 4

Q Discussion Topic Hope you enjoyed reading chapters 1-3 of "The Prodigal God." In this parable of Jesus being discussed, there are two brothers. Tim Keller explains in that both sons are lost, but in different ways. 1. How is the younger brother lost? How is the older brother lost? How does the father in the parable respond to both sons? 2. What does this parable teach about God’s relationship with humanity? Or, put a different way, what is the point of this parable? (Hint: Explain the meaning of the term “prodigal God”).

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1) The younger brother is lost because he abandons his father (God) for a path of his own self-discovery where he wants to do things his way and have that be the only way, while also relying on his father's wealth to keep him safe and well-fed. He even tries to abuse his father by using him again when he decides he wants to worked as one of his hired men to "earn back a place in the family." The elder brother is lost in that he followed his father's commands exactly as they were meant to be followed and believed that meant his father owed him his estate. He becomes lost when the younger brother returns and sees the younger brother be welcomed back just like that and becomes angry because he doesn't believe that his father has done enough for him personally, insinuating he followed his father's commands for a selfish purpose.