SW/EN

Lesson 2 / 14 · Luka / Luke 15:11–32

Repentance and Forgiveness

Explain repentance as returning to the Father and choose one responsible response.

Your lesson plan · 45–60 minutes

Your steps through this lesson

Explain repentance as returning to the Father and choose one responsible response.

  1. Read the passage and core study
  2. Explore the passage’s imagery and message
  3. Choose one practice for this week
  4. Check your understanding and reflect if you wish

You can divide the lesson into shorter sessions. Readings, the gallery and worksheets are available without an account.

1 · Listen to Scripture

Begin with Scripture, then read the article

Read the whole passage in your Bible. Open the study in your current language. Readings open in a new tab so you can keep your lesson open.

Core reading ↗Article 02: The Road Back Home: Repentance, Forgiveness, and a New Beginning

Lesson worksheet

Download a two-page PDF for personal or classroom study. Print it and write your responses by hand.

Download worksheet (PDF) ↓

Open PDF in a new tab ↗ · Download the complete workbook ↓

Preview the worksheet on this page

If your browser cannot display the PDF here, use the download button or open it in a new tab.

2 · Understand and discuss

Understanding the message

What changes when repentance becomes a return to the Father?

Mercy precedes repair; repentance bears fruit in truth and changed conduct.

Read Luke 15:1–2 alongside the two sons. Jesus responds to complaints about welcoming sinners. The younger son leaves, loses property, comes to a reckoning, and returns. The older son remains near the house yet distant from the Father’s joy.

The father runs to welcome the returning son before the proposed arrangement as a hired worker develops. Grace cannot be purchased through labor. The homecoming reveals God’s mercy calling both the lost and the self-righteous.

Repentance exceeds shame or a request for restored reputation. Repentance acknowledges and leaves wrongdoing, seeks safe repair, and respects consequences. Forgiveness, reconciliation, and trust are distinct; trust grows through time and conduct.

A barrier to examine

Self-justification conceals wrongdoing; hopeless self-condemnation obstructs return.

Read and discuss

  1. What important images, words or movements do you notice in the passage?
  2. How can mercy welcome a returning wrongdoer while upholding protection and justice?
  3. Which conduct needs to stop? Which harm requires acknowledgment without excuses?

3 · Carry the lesson into life

One practice for this week

On the second evening, write down wrongdoing, harm, and one safe step of repair. Read Psalm 51:1–12. Plan a step before the weekend with suitable counsel. Do not demand contact, forgiveness, or closeness from a person harmed.

A closing prayer

Merciful Father, let repentance bear fruit in truth, changed conduct, and wise repair. Amen.

In a group, anyone may choose to listen without answering a personal question. Respect privacy and do not pressure anyone to share their story.

4 · Pause and review

A gracious weekly check-in

At the weekend, record a truth learned, practice attempted, obstacle, question, and next step. A voluntary 10–15 minute conversation with a trusted companion may help.

Use a notebook, worksheet, or the private reflection section below. Course records track participation and understanding rather than the worth of faith.