Take some time at dinner one night this week to read this fun fact and then discuss some of the questions.
Did you know...
…that the person who wrote Luke's gospel uses a word in this week's story of the prodigal son that isn't used anywhere else in the bible. It is the Greek word that we translate as "prodigal," but it really means "unforgiveable." Jesus tells the story of the prodigal son to the religious leaders in his community who are criticizing him for eating dinner with people who have done bad or hurtful things.
Jesus tells this story of a son who does bed things and comes back home thinking he'll never be accepted by his father only to have his father throw him a party when he returns. Jesus is telling the religious leaders that there is nothing a person can do to make them unforgiveable, unacceptable, or unlovable.
Questions for Discussion:
1) Was there ever a time when it was hard to forgive someone who had hurt you? What was that time like?
2) Have you ever done something to someone that made it feel like you couldn't talk to one another or spend time together anymore?
3) Is there anyone in your life you are upset with or angry at? How could you forgive them this week?