The Prodigal Son parable is one of Jesus’ most powerful stories. But prosperity gospel preachers are missing the whole point.
Talking Points:
- The biblical gospel teaches that God loves you and sent Jesus to save you from your sins. The prosperity gospel teaches that God loves you and sent Jesus to make you healthy and rich.
- In the biblical story of the prodigal son, the son is repentant. In the prosperity version, the son is entitled. Luke 15:12-24
- In the biblical story of the prodigal son, the son seeks relationship with the father. In the prosperity version, the son seeks his possessions.
- In the biblical story, the son has a changed heart at the end. In the prosperity version, the son has the same heart at the end.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Describe the “prosperity gospel” in your own words. Why is this doctrine so popular in American culture? Why is it dangerous?
- Read Luke 15:12-24. How does the son show his repentance toward the father?
- In your own life, share a time when you sought relationship with God. What did that look like for you?
- Share a time when you sought God selfishly, only for what he could give you financially or physically. How did God respond?
- In what way does the prodigal son’s heart change by the end of the story?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
