Activity

Work through the following (1) activity. Please have your journal and your Bible (or Bible Gateway) ready to complete this activity. 

The third part of this module provides you with an opportunity to practice the skills of reading a Biblical text. We are going to read one of Jesus’ most famous parables – The Parable of Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 – and read it in the context of the whole Gospel of Luke. Even though it is so familiar to everyone, there’s more meaning in this parable when you consider the story in context. 

1. Begin by reading all of Luke Chapter 15. It includes three parables that Jesus told: The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Lost Son (Prodigal Son). You will need a Bible or you can read the passage on Bible Gateway. 
2. Reflect on these questions, focusing on the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
   1. How does this parable fit into the larger context of Chapter 15?
   2. To whom is Jesus is addressing this parable? What do you think they think of Jesus and his ministry? 
   3. At one level this is a story about a father with two sons. At a deeper level what do you think Jesus is trying to communicate through this story? 
   4. What does this story tell us about God and God’s relationship with people? 
3. Watch the short video (4:48) from the Bible Project that situates The Prodigal Son within Chapters 9-19 of Luke’s Gospel, and helps us understand Jesus’ reasons for telling this story. 
4. Review your responses to the four questions in part two of this activity (above). In light of the video (and commentary), how would you adjust or enhance your responses? What did you learn about a Catholic approach to reading the Bible.