Yesterday, Michelle covered the Prodigal Son and his receipt and subsequent spending of the inheritance that his father had for him. Today we continue on in that story, and we find a pretty predictable outcome if we read at face value. But if we dig deeper, as with all Scripture, we can find new angles and dynamic lessons.

[Luke 15.14-16]

14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What do you think the son would have done if the severe famine hadn’t arose? He spent everything before that famine hit so why did he only begin to be in need after the famine? [v. 14]

+ Do you think he had plans to rely on the world for sustenance?

+ What strange picture emerges in v. 15? Look closely at the words...he was “hired” so what strikes you about his continued needs and inability to acquire even the most basic sustenance?

+ What picture of our relationship to the Father in Heaven and the world emerges if we are being honest with ourselves?

+ Can you recall a time where you exchanged the world’s offerings for sustenance when you should have turned your hands and heart towards Heaven?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ If the younger brother had been closer with his older brother and had some accountability, maybe things would have gone differently. Are you walking in community and accountability? It is so hard to avoid the world’s vanity without strengthening yourself in community. In what ways can you increase community?