Salvation

Memory Verse

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” John 1:29 NIV

Intro

Question: Can you think of a time in your life when you have had to be rescued?  

My Story: Share a personal story where someone came to your rescue.

Discuss: What do you think is meant by the phrase “God’s gift of salvation”?

Bible Story | The rebellious son and the loving father

In your own words, tell the story found in Luke 15:11-24.

Luke 15:20-24 | What do we learn about God from this story?  

Note: The same steps the son makes in his journey back home are the ones we must make in our journey to heaven.

Exploring the bible

Step 1 – Need. Luke 18:9-14 | Realise that we need God’s help.

Step 2 – Turn. Acts 2:37-39 | Turn away from sin and turn to Jesus.

Step 3 – Confess. 1 John 1:9 | Confess your sins and ask God to forgive you.  

Step 4 – Believe. John 3:16, 1 John 5:13 | Trust your life to Jesus and know that you have eternal life.

Fun Facts

Back when Jesus told this parable, running was for children. Older, respected men, like the father in the story, never ran! One reason was that they wore long robes (similar to dresses). To run, they would have to lift the front of their robe and expose their legs, which was considered shameful in that culture. But in Jesus’ story, the Bible says the father “ran to his son” (Luke 15:20). He was so full of love and joy that he set aside all concern for his own dignity. And then, when he reached his son, he threw his arms around him and smothered him with kisses. What a beautiful picture of Jesus. God must really love us!

LIVING IT

Decide: Would you like to live forever with Jesus?

Dear God,

Thank you for being like the loving father in our story.

I recognise my need of you and want you in my life.

Forgive me for the times I have done wrong. Change me to be more like you.

Thank you for the gift of eternal life. I put my trust in you.

Amen.