Jesus not only lived the greatest story, but was one of the greatest storytellers of all time. He used his stories as illustrations so that regular people like us could understand complex topics like God's love, the Kingdom of God, being a true follower, etc. In this series we are challenging Anthem students to unravel the deep meanings of these stories for themselves. 

This week we will be studying Luke 15 where Jesus presents 3 stories of loss and being lost. We will present some background context, perform 2 of these 3 stories, and then have students open their Bibles and read the whole chapter themselves answering questions on why Jesus told these stories, who they see as themselves within the story, and...well you can read the questions below!

Questions:

Introduction

1. How do verses 1-2 set up the 3 parables that Jesus teaches?

2. What is the difference between tax collectors and sinners versus the Pharisees?

3. Were tax collectors and sinners bad people? Were the Pharisees bad people?

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

1. Have you ever felt like the lost sheep? 

2. What do you think about the shepherd leaving the 99 to find the 1 lost sheep?

3. Read verse 7. What do you think Jesus is trying to say here?

The Parable of the Lost Coin

1. Have you ever lost something important to you? What did that feel like?

2. What do you think God may feel when we are lost or choose not to follow Him?

3. What does

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

1. Why do you think the prodigal son left his family? Have you ever thought you were smarter than your parents?

2. What emotions do you think the father felt when he saw his lost son? 

3. Do you think the older brother was justified in being mad at the younger brother? Have you ever been angry at a sibling? Did it improve the situation or your relationship with them?

BIG IDEA

Before you leave, come up with a Big Idea from what you learned tonight from the three stories.