A Tale of Two Sons Bible Study Guide
4.5/5
()
About this ebook
In The Tale of Two Sons Workbook, one of America's greatest Bible teachers takes readers deeper into Luke 15 than they've ever been before, revealing insights into the culture of Jesus' day and a surprise secret ending.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) has been preached in every pulpit and is known by many who read and cherish the Bible. It's so special because it presents in clear and inspiring terms our struggle with sin, the need of our hearts to be accepted and pursued, and the Father's inexhaustible mercy and love. But most Christians would say that they've heard every sermon possible from this gem of scripture. That it has lost its luster. In The Tale of Two Sons, one of America's most beloved pastors restores the brilliance of this passage for the layperson, giving engrossing historical background and a surprise ending readers may have never known.
John F. MacArthur
Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God's Word, John MacArthur is a popular author and conference speaker. He has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four married children and fifteen grandchildren. John's pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You, and its satellite offices in seven countries. In addition to producing daily radio programs for nearly two thousand English and Spanish radio outlets worldwide, Grace to You distributes books, software, and digital recordings by John MacArthur. John is chancellor of The Master's University and Seminary and has written hundreds of books and study guides, each one biblical and practical. Bestselling titles include The Gospel According to Jesus, Twelve Ordinary Men, Twelve Extraordinary Women, Slave, and The MacArthur Study Bible, a 1998 ECPA Gold Medallion recipient.
Read more from John F. Mac Arthur
MacArthur's Quick Reference Guide to the Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Only Jesus: What It Really Means to Be Saved Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Gospel According to Jesus: What Is Authentic Faith? Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The MacArthur Bible Commentary Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Heart of the Bible: Explore the Power of Key Bible Passages Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Hard to Believe: The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The MacArthur Bible Handbook Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Gospel According to Paul: Embracing the Good News at the Heart of Paul's Teachings Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Murder of Jesus Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Prodigal Son: An Astonishing Study of the Parable Jesus Told to Unveil God's Grace for You Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Acts: The Spread of the Gospel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTwelve Unlikely Heroes: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related to A Tale of Two Sons Bible Study Guide
Related ebooks
A Tale of Two Sons Bible Study Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Gospel According to the Apostles: The Roll of Works in a Life of Faith Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Slave the Study Guide: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Grace for You: A Compelling Story of God's Redemption Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5The Prodigal Son: An Astonishing Study of the Parable Jesus Told to Unveil God's Grace for You Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5James: Guidelines for a Happy Christian Life Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Daniel Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings1 Corinthians: Godly Solutions for Church Problems Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMoments of Truth: Unleashing God's Word One Day at a Time Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Parables Workbook: The Mysteries of God's Kingdom Revealed Through the Stories Jesus Told Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMatthew: The Coming of the King Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Why One Way?: Defending an Exclusive Claim in an Inclusive World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Twelve Unlikely Heroes: How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to Do with You Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Jesus Unleashed: A New Vision of the Bold Confrontations of Christ and Why They Matter Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExodus and Numbers: The Exodus from Egypt Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTruth for Today: A Daily Touch of God's Grace Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Philippians: Christ, the Source of Joy and Strength Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Joshua, Judges, and Ruth: Finally in the Land Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings1, 2, 3 John and Jude: Established in Truth ... Marked by Love Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Murder of Jesus Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Romans Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Twelve Extraordinary Women Workbook Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Hebrews Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/51 Samuel: The Lives of Samuel and Saul Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Genesis 1 to 11: Creation, Sin, and the Nature of God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMacArthur 2-in-1: 2 Truth-Filled Books in 1 Volume to Strengthen Your Faith Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Only Way To Happiness: The Beatitudes Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Romans: Grace, Truth, and Redemption Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDaniel and Esther: Israel in Exile Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings1 and 2 Timothy: Encouragement for Church Leaders Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Christianity For You
Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Holy Bible (World English Bible, Easy Navigation) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind... Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Warrior of the Light: A Manual Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Less Fret, More Faith: An 11-Week Action Plan to Overcome Anxiety Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for A Tale of Two Sons Bible Study Guide
3 ratings2 reviews
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Some interesting insights as to the culture of the day. The message is directed at the Pharisees and they are identified in the older brother.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5It is hard for me to imagine there being a better exposition of the parable of the Prodigal Son than this one. John MacArthur delivers a truly edifying, Christ-exalting, gospel-centered masterpiece as he minutely examines this famous parable from the perspectives of each of the main characters -- the father, the younger son, and the older brother. The joy in heaven over God's grace in saving sinners is set in contrast with the tragic self-righteous hypocrisy of the Pharisees and their hatred of God's way of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. MacArthur misses nothing and communicates his powerful message in his usual clear crisp style. This is, by far, much better than Tim Keller's Prodigal God.
Book preview
A Tale of Two Sons Bible Study Guide - John F. MacArthur
© 2008 by John MacArthur
The publishers are grateful to Terry Hadaway for his collaboration and writing skills in developing the content of this book.
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Published in association with the literary agency of Wolgemuth & Associates, Inc.
Thomas Nelson, Inc. titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail SpecialMarkets@ThomasNelson.com.
All Scripture quotations in this book are from THE NEW KING JAMES VERSION. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-1-4185-2820-1
09 10 11 12 13 QWE 8 7 6 5 4
Information about External Hyperlinks in this ebook
Please note that footnotes in this ebook may contain hyperlinks to external websites as part of bibliographic citations. These hyperlinks have not been activated by the publisher, who cannot verify the accuracy of these links beyond the date of publication.
EBOOK INSTRUCTIONS
In this ebook edition, please use your device’s note-taking function to record your thoughts wherever you see the bracketed instructions [Your Notes] or [Your Response Here]. Use your device’s highlighting function to record your response whenever you are asked to checkmark, circle, underline, or otherwise indicate your answer(s).
CONTENTS
Ebook Instructions
1. Greatest Short Story. Ever.
2. A Wide-Angle Preview
3. His Shameless Demand
4. His Shameful Misconduct
5. His Turning Point
6. His Return
7. His Forgiveness
8. His Generosity
9. His Resentment
10. His True Character
11. The Shocking Real-Life Ending
Leader’s Guide
About the Author
ONE
Greatest Short Story. Ever.
"Jesus’ intention in telling the story was not to impress His hearers with dramatic artistry. Rather, if we understand the parable correctly, its spiritual lessons leave a far more indelible impression on our hearts and minds than any literary analysis of the parable could accomplish."
—A Tale of Two Sons (p. 14)
Rewind
Many of the more familiar passages of Scripture are ripe with unnoticed theological truths that, if discovered and applied to our lives, could improve the quality of our relationships with God and each other. One such passage is the parable of the prodigal son.
Prodigal living is characterized by wasteful extravagance and wanton immorality (MacArthur New Testament Commentary, p. 220). The story of the Prodigal Son is more about the loving father than the wayward son and his spiteful brother. Jesus didn’t tell the story in order to improve His reputation as a great storyteller; He told it to reveal some characteristics of God that had been veiled by the religious practices of the scribes and Pharisees. The cultural tension between Judaism and Jesus’ ministry was underlying every word Jesus spoke.
Before we begin, we must remember that the meaning of Scripture is not fluid. The truth of the Bible doesn’t change with time or mean different things in different cultures. Whatever the text meant when it was originally written, it still means today.
Therefore, if we can grasp the original meaning of the parable, we can apply it to our lives today.
It is all too easy to rip biblical stories out of their original contexts, force them into a postmodern frame of reference, and miss their full import.
1. Before beginning this study, what is your understanding of the meaning of the parable of the prodigal son?
[Your Response Here]
2. We sometimes make the mistake of limiting our understanding of Scripture to what we read about Scripture. Read Mark 12:37b and identify the primary audience to whom Jesus spoke.
If this was Jesus’ primary audience, what should be the degree of difficulty in determining the meanings of His words?
__ Only the religious elite can understand.
__ Only the avid Bible student can understand.
__ Only those who know the code can understand.
__ Most anyone can understand.
[Your Response Here]
So if we expect to draw out of this parable what God wants us to learn and what He intended to reveal for our edification, we need to try to hear it the way Jesus’ original audience heard it.
Rethink
The parable of the prodigal son was recorded by Luke, but not by the other gospel writers. Luke was the more detailed of the four gospel writers and was intimately familiar with Judaism and the stark contrast between traditional religion and Jesus’ message.
3. Place the parable of the prodigal son on the timeline of Jesus’ ministry by placing an X at the appropriate place.
[Your Response Here]
4. Luke 9:51 says that Jesus steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.
What is the significance of this statement?
In Old Testament times, scribes were those trained to record important events. By the time of the Babylonian exile, scribes were considered to be experts in the written Word of God. By New Testament times, scribes were a group of Pharisees with the responsibility of teaching, interpreting, and enforcing the Law of Moses.
(Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, p. 1452)
[Your Response Here]
5. The principle enemies of Jesus’ ministry were the scribes and Pharisees. Based on your perception, what are some adjectives that can be used to describe the scribes and Pharisees?
What are the characteristics of modern-day scribes and Pharisees?
In what settings might you encounter a modern scribe or Pharisee?
[Your Response Here]
6. On page 10, it is said that the scribes and Pharisees "were legalistic—believing that the way to gain favor with God was by earning merit—and the best way to gain merit in God’s eyes, they thought, was through fastidious observance of the law." Thus, they based their salvation on their own self-righteousness. As Christians, we know that our salvation is only based on the finished work of Christ. Yet we can sometimes allow forms of legalism and self-righteousness to creep into our own thinking. What are some ways in which we can become legalistic?
What are the effects of religious legalism in our lives?
[Your Response Here]
7. The scribes and Pharisees were also hypocritical . . . They valued the public display of religion more than private devotion and true righteousness.
What are some ways in which this is evident in our society?
[Your Response Here]
8. Jesus never entered into negotiations with the scribes and Pharisees; He stood His ground. Of course, this only heightened the tension. As a result, Jesus was at the top of their Most Wanted
list. There have been times when we all have backed down rather than suffer the consequences of standing our ground on what we know to be right. In what areas of your