Prodigal Brothers

Luke 15:11-32

1. Do you tend to be more like the younger brother in this story or the older brother? How so?

2. What do you think kept the older brother from looking for the younger? What kept the father from hunting down the younger son?

3. What is the danger of celebrating the returning son? Why take that risk?

4. What do you think this story teaches us about child rearing?

Letting Go of the Debt

Matthew 18:21-35

1. What is something that someone has given you that you didn’t deserve?

2. What does it mean when the Bible says we are forgiven by God?

3. Who has caused the most hurt in your life?

4. Why is it a struggle for us to forgive others?

5. How does an economy of grace change the way we treat others?

6. Who do you need to forgive?

The Shameless Audacity to Ask

Luke 11:5-8

1. Read the parable in Luke 11:5-8 together. How does the parable challenge our normal understanding of prayer?

2. What have you prayed for that God has answered?

3. Why do unanswered prayers discourage us so much?

4. What areas of life do you typically try to handle in your own strength?

5. What is something “over the top” that you can commit to asking God for?

Parable of the Sower

Mark 4:1-20

1. Who first planted the Word into your life?

2. What has been the greatest fruit from the Word in your life?

3. Share some times when you’ve experienced each of these four responses to the Word.

4. Which of these four responses do you think is most common today?

5. How do stories play a role in your growth?

Counting the Cost
Luke 14:25-33

1. What’s something in life that you began but didn’t finish?

2. In what ways do these parables illustrate an important aspect of following Jesus?

3. What are some difficulties you’ve experienced as a follower of Jesus?

4. How can comfort get in the way of following Jesus?

5. Does bearing your cross look the same for every Christian? What does it look like for you?