M o v i e C l i p B i b l e S t u d y
Clip Summary and Set-up: Les Miserables is a film in which an ambitious police officer (Javert) is trying to capture a criminal (Jean Val jean) who in his previous life had escaped from prison but has now repented of that life (due to favor from a priest shown to him right after his escape) and has successfully started over and is
a city leader and righteous politician. Javert is the newly appointed deputy of the city recognizes Jean Val Jean from his ealier life and tries to capture and sentence him for the criminal activites of his former life. The movie shows the subsequent chase between the justice-loving Javert and the newly redeemed Jean Val Jean. The movie
depicts a number of scenes that show the distinction between law and grace and forgiveness versus justice motifs. Scene one depicts his jail break and his subsequent life change by the good treatment of the town priest.
Les Miserable
WORD: GRACE
MOVIE: LES MISERABLE, 2000
CLIP: SCENE 1
VERSE: EPHESIANS 1:7
DIAGRAM: CROSS
BIBLICAL PARALLELS - P. 2 DIAGRAM - P. 3 DISCUSSION - P. 4
GRACEEphesians 1:7
Picking the Topic
FInd a word that communicates the subject matter most concisely, clearly, and
comprehensively. Think about the needs of your audience as you select your topic and make sure that your topic is biblically accurate and gospel-centered. The basics
of Christianity are the most misunderstood, yet most precious topics and one should look to start here. Usually
defining what a word is and what it is not is a good way to start and will give the audience a good reference point.
“WITH THIS SILVER, I BOUGHT YOUR SOUL, RANSOMED YOU FROM FEAR AND HATRED AND NOW HAVE GIVEN YOU BACK TO GOD” ~BISHOP
The MovieSet the Clip up with a movie context/summary and a lead in question. It is always helpful to fill people in where the scene falls in the stage of the movie (Only
give them the details that are needed to get the point you are trying to make.) Also, give your audience a lead in question.
This will tell them what to look for in the clip. Finally, look to make as many connections as you can from the clip with
reality - this will provide your transition to the verse.
Incorporating the BibleFind a Scripture that captures the truth you are looking to communicated clearly
and accurately. Try to find one that contains the word that you are focusing on for the study. This is the ground for
everything we are trying to communicate up until this point and we will build the discussion questions off of it.
BIBLIC AL PARALLELS
INTRODUCTION
TOPIC: GRACE, MERCY
DEFINE: GRACE - GETTING WHAT YOU DO NOT DESERVE
! MERCY - NOT GETTING WHAT YOU DO DESERVE
EXAMPLE: (WHEN HAVE YOU BEEN TREATED BETTER THAN YOU DESERVE)
CLIP
LEAD-IN QUESTION:
WHAT WAS SURPRISING ABOUT HOW THE PRIEST TREATED JEAN VAL
JEAN? SHOW AN EXAMPLE OF MERCY AND GRACE FROM THE CLIP.
TRANSITION QUESTION:
HOW IS THIS A COMPARISION/CONTRAST OF HOW GOD DEALS WITH US?
CONNECTIONS:
WhAT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR JEAN VAL JEANS LIFE CHANGE? - YOU CAN SEE
A DISTINCT CONTRAST BETWEEN HOW HIS FEAR (HIS DREAM) AND LOVE
(THE BISHOP) MOTIVATED JEAN VAL JEANS ACTIONS.
• BISHOP - CHRIST FIGURE
• CANDLESTICKS - CHRIST FIGURE
• JEAN VAL JEAN - HUMANITY
• JEAN VAL JEANS THEFT - OUR SIN
SCRIPTURE
"IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF
OUR TRESPASSES ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE.” ~
EPHESIANS 1:7
IF GOD IS GRACIOUS, THEN HE WANTS TO FORGIVE. YET FORGIVENESS IS
NOT FREE, BUT COSTLY. THEREFORE THE PRICE GOD PAYS FOR OUR
FORGIVENESS IS THE REDEMPTION PAID BY CHRIST’S BLOOD.
DiagramsPREPARATION!
1. HAVE A WHITE BOARD READY
2. DRAW IT CLEARLY, LEGIBLY
3. SPEAK AS YOU DRAW AND DRAW IT IN ORDER OF YOUR ARGUMENT.
4. MAKE SURE THE AUDIENCE
IS CLEAR ON HOW THE DIAGRAM ANSWERS THE QUESTION OR DESCRIBES THE TOPIC.
5. ASK THEM TO IDENTIFY WITH ONE OF TWO SCENARIOS
A PICTURE OF GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE IN ACTION
!
DIAGRAM
Diagrams are often very helpful because most people are visual learners. Anytime you can find a picture to reinforce words or biblical truth it almost always clarifies, sharpens, and clears up misunderstanding. Pictures can speak a thousand
words.
Look for drawings or ideas that are simple but capture a lot of meaning. A good test of simplicity is its reproducibility. Could the audience replicate this after one try? They need not be exhaustive, but are used to campture one main point.
The Cross DiagramThis diagram serves to answer the question, “How does God both do away with our just punishment and give us His righteousness?” In other words, How does God use mercy to keep us from getting what we do deserve and grace to grant us
what we do not deserve. The diagram starts with placing in “God” and the “man icon” apart from each other and drawing a line from God to man signifying his wrath poured out on us because of our sin. But, God absorbs that wrath by Himself through the cross of His Son and it is signified by a horizontal line drawn
across the vertical line. Thus, the cross absorbs God’s wrath meant for us and shows God’s mercy to us (not giving us what we do deserve). Then, the completed horizontal line highlights the cross as God’s new way of relating to us
in grace (giving us what we do not deserve) by giving us the perfection of Christ’s righteousness. Therefore, Christ gets the punishment and we get the perfection!
1. Wrath: God’s just punishment of Humanity because of our sin
3. Grace: God giving us what we don’t deserve - Christ righteousness
2. Mercy: God absorbing what we deserve-His wrath, by the cross of Christ.
DISCUSSION ? ’STopic – Grace Verse – Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
1. Clarify/De3ine: Redemption, Forgiveness, Grace.
2. In your opinion, what is the main point of Eph. 1:7?
3. What is the relationship between God’s grace, God’s forgiveness, and God’s redemption?
4. What is central to God’s character that motivates his forgiveness? Does this change how you view God?
5. What did forgiveness cost God? Why?
Further Study – Ephesians 2:4-9
Topic – Grace Verse – Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
1. Clarify/De3ine: Redemption, Forgiveness, Grace.
2. In your opinion, what is the main point of Eph. 1:7?
3. What is the relationship between God’s grace, God’s forgiveness, and God’s redemption?
4. What is central to God’s character that motivates his forgiveness? Does this change how you view God?
5. What did forgiveness cost God? Why?
Further Study – Ephesians 2:4-9
Topic – Grace Verse – Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
1. Clarify/De3ine: Redemption, Forgiveness, Grace.
2. In your opinion, what is the main point of Eph. 1:7?
3. What is the relationship between God’s grace, God’s forgiveness, and God’s redemption?
4. What is central to God’s character that motivates his forgiveness? Does this change how you view God?
5. What did forgiveness cost God? Why?
Further Study – Ephesians 2:4-9
M o v i e C l i p B i b l e S t u d y
Clip Summary and Set-up: A Knight’s Tale is the story of William (Heath Ledger) seeking to improve his lot in life through the jousting. Jousting, typically a gentleman’s sport, was reserved only for those men were from more noble origins. It was a sport to be engaged only by gentleman. William, a peasant boy from ignoble heredity
was completely caught up in this jousting aura and dreamed of becoming a gentleman through rising the ranks of jousting. While William did become very proficient in jousting, he did so disguising his true family origins or else forfeit his chance for participation and even sought after nobility. The movie continues until William’s true idenity is
found out and he is arrested for a fraud. The remaining of the movie describes the events surrouding his dilemma and the source for his redemption.
A Knight’s Tale
WORD: ADOPTION
MOVIE: A KNIGHT’S TALE, 2001
CLIP: SCENE #26 “SIR WILLIAM” [5:29]
VERSE: GALATIANS 4:4-7
DIAGRAM: FAMILY
BIBLICAL PARALLELS - P. 2 DIAGRAM - P. 3 DISCUSSION - P. 4
ADOPTIONGalatians 4:3-7
Picking the Topic
FInd a word that communicates the subject matter most concisely, clearly, and
comprehensively. Think about the needs of your audience as you select your topic and make sure that your topic is biblically accurate and gospel-centered. The basics
of Christianity are the most misunderstood, yet most precious topics and one should look to start here. Usually
defining what a word is and what it is not is a good way to start and will give the audience a good reference point.
“THIS IS MY WORD, AND AS SUCH IS BEYOND CONTESTATION” ~PRINCE EDWARD
The MovieSet the Clip up with a movie context/summary and a lead in question. It is always helpful to fill people in where the scene falls in the stage of the movie (Only
give them the details that are needed to get the point you are trying to make.) Also, give your audience a lead in question.
This will tell them what to look for in the clip. Finally, look to make as many connections as you can from the clip with
reality - this will provide your transition to the verse.
Incorporating the BibleFind a Scripture that captures the truth you are looking to communicated clearly
and accurately. Try to find one that contains the word that you are focusing on for the study. This is the ground for
everything we are trying to communicate up until this point and we will build the discussion questions off of it.
BIBLIC AL PARALLELS
INTRODUCTION
TOPIC: ADOPTION
DEFINE: LEGAL TRANSFER OF STATUS FROM ONE FAMILY TO ANOTHER
EXAMPLE: WHAT MAKES AN ADOPTION FINAL? (PAPERS THAT FORMALIZE
THE STATUS CHANGE) WHAT IS THE POINT OF AN ADOPTION? (TO GIVE A
CHILD A HOME AND THE PRIVILEGE OF A FAMILY)
CLIP
LEAD-IN QUESTION:
WHAT CHANGES WILLIAM’S STATUS? (WHO CHANGES IT AND HOW DOES
HE DO IT?)
TRANSITION QUESTION:
WHY DID THE KING CHANGE WILLIAM’S STATUS? HOW IS THIS A
CONTRAST TO OUR SITUATION WITH GOD? HOW DOES THIS CONTRAST
CHANGE THE COST OF OUR ADOPTION? (OUR ADOPTION COST THE CROSS)
CONNECTIONS:
JUST AS PRINCE EDWARD CLOTHED HIMSELF WITH A HUMBLE DISGUISE TO
FREE WILLIAM FROM PUNISHMENT, SO TO DID OUR SAVIOR; BUT PLACED
HIMSELF IN THE STOCKS TO TAKE OUR PUNISHMENT AND GRANT US
ADOPTION.
• PRINCE EDWARD - CHRIST FIGURE
• WILLIAM - HUMANITY
• STOCKS - OUR LOOMING PUNISHMENT
SCRIPTURE
"BUT WHEN THE FULLNESS OF TIME HAD COME, GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON,
BORN OF A WOMAN, BORN UNDER THE LAW, TO REDEEM THOSE WHO WERE
UNDER THE LAW, SO THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE ADOPTION AS SONS. AND
BECAUSE YOU ARE SONS, GOD HAS SENT THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON INTO OUR
HEARTS, CRYING “ABBA! FATHER!” ~ GALATIANS 4:4-6
Birth! ! ! ! Adoption
DiagramsPREPARATION!
1. HAVE A WHITE BOARD READY
2. DRAW IT CLEARLY, LEGIBLY
3. SPEAK AS YOU DRAW AND DRAW IT IN ORDER OF YOUR ARGUMENT.
4. MAKE SURE THE AUDIENCE
IS CLEAR ON HOW THE DIAGRAM ANSWERS THE QUESTION OR DESCRIBES THE TOPIC.
5. ASK THEM TO IDENTIFY WITH ONE OF TWO SCENARIOS
HOW DO YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF GOD’S FAMILY?
!
DIAGRAM
Diagrams are often very helpful because most people are visual learners. Anytime you can find a picture to reinforce words or biblical truth it almost always clarifies, sharpens, and clears up misunderstanding. Pictures can speak a thousand
words.
Look for drawings or ideas that are simple but capture a lot of meaning. A good test of simplicity is its reproducibility. Could the audience replicate this after one try? They need not be exhaustive, but are used to campture one main point.
The Family DiagramThis diagram serves to answer the question, “How do you become a member of God’s family?” First, draw God at the top and ask for some suggestions. After hearing them out draw a family at the bottom and ask them to answer another
question that might clarify things, “How does one become a member of a human family?” Tell them there are only 2 ways and ask them if they can name them. Write in “Birth” and “Adoption” and draw the arrows from the family to the two words. Explain that to become a member of a family a child must be born from them or
adopted by them. Then draw the same two arrows proceeding from the God icon and explain that it is the same process to become a member of God’s family. Only there is one key difference: we are not born or adopted, but we are born again
(John 1:12-13) and adopted (Gal. 4:5) into God’s family after we are saved.
!! !
OR
AND
DISCUSSION ? ’STopic – Adoption Verse – Galatians 4:4-6
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
1. What event, according to the verse, makes our adoption possible? What did it cost God to adopt us?
2. What are the bene<its of our adoption? How are these similar to human family adoptions?
3. Explain what it means to be an heir of God? What do we inherit?
Further Study – John 1:12-13; John 8:15-17
Topic – Adoption Verse – Galatians 4:4-6
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
1. What event, according to the verse, makes our adoption possible? What did it cost God to adopt us?
2. What are the bene<its of our adoption? How are these similar to human family adoptions?
3. Explain what it means to be an heir of God? What do we inherit?
Further Study – John 1:12-13; John 8:15-17
Topic – Adoption Verse – Galatians 4:4-6
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”
1. What event, according to the verse, makes our adoption possible? What did it cost God to adopt us?
2. What are the bene<its of our adoption? How are these similar to human family adoptions?
3. Explain what it means to be an heir of God? What do we inherit?
Further Study – John 1:12-13; John 8:15-17
M o v i e C l i p B i b l e S t u d y
Clip Summary and Set-up: Blood Diamond seeks to inform the viewer of the all potential atrocities that are happening as a result of the diamond craze in the western parts of the world. The movie is set in Sierra Leone which is shown to be a major diamond producer in Africa that is run over with guerilla warfare. The guerillas are
looking for ways to overthrow their national government but cannot do it apart from weapons received from their corrupt diamond industry. So, the guerillas mine diamonds in exchange for weapon purchases from western markets and the weapons are manned by child armies. The scene can be set up by stating that the boy (Dia
Vandy) has been stolen away from his family and childhood and the following clip is how the father (Solomon) reunites himself with his child after being taken hostage for some years. The boy has been brainwashed into a kiling machine and his father has to work through a very hostile interaction to try to redeem the lost relationship.
Blood Diamond
WORD: PRODIGAL PT. 1
MOVIE: BLOOD DIAMOND, 2006
CLIP: SCENE 24, (5:33), “SEARCHING FOR DIA”
VERSE: LUKE 15:11-32
DIAGRAM: TWO THIEVES
BIBLICAL PARALLELS - P. 2 DIAGRAM - P. 3 DISCUSSION - P. 4
PRODIGAL PT. 1Luke 15:11-32
Picking the Topic
FInd a word that communicates the subject matter most concisely, clearly, and
comprehensively. Think about the needs of your audience as you select your topic and make sure that your topic is biblically accurate and gospel-centered. The basics
of Christianity are the most misunderstood, yet most precious topics and one should look to start here. Usually
defining what a word is and what it is not is a good way to start and will give the audience a good reference point.
“KILL HIM, KILL HIM, KILL HIM” ~DIA
The MovieSet the Clip up with a movie context/summary and a lead in question. It is always helpful to fill people in where the scene falls in the stage of the movie (Only
give them the details that are needed to get the point you are trying to make.) Also, give your audience a lead in question.
This will tell them what to look for in the clip. Finally, look to make as many connections as you can from the clip with
reality - this will provide your transition to the verse.
Incorporating the BibleFind a Scripture that captures the truth you are looking to communicated clearly
and accurately. Try to find one that contains the word that you are focusing on for the study. This is the ground for
everything we are trying to communicate up until this point and we will build the discussion questions off of it.
BIBLIC AL PARALLELS
INTRODUCTION
TOPIC: PRODIGAL
DEFINE: RECKLESSLY EXTRAVAGANT
EXAMPLE: WHAT IS THE COMMON PERCPETION OF A PRODIGAL?
CLIP
LEAD-IN QUESTION:
WHAT IS DIA’S REACTION TO HIS FATHER? WHY IS SOLOMON SO
SURPRISED THAT HIS SON DOES NOT KNOW HIM?
TRANSITION QUESTION:
HOW DO THE TWO CHARACTERS (SOLOMON & DIA) IN THE MOVIE
REPRESENT GOD AND HUMANITY IN REAL LIFE? MAKE SOME COMPARISONS.
CONNECTIONS:
DIA HAS DISREGARDED HIS FATHER AND IS SO BRAINWASHED HE CANNOT
RECOGNIZE HIM AND WANTS HIM DEAD. HE WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH
HIS FATHER. HE HAS LEFT HIM.
• DIA’S SCREAMS - HUMANITY’S HOSTILITY TO GOD (ROM. 5:10)
• SOLOMON COMING FORTH - GOD PURSUING US EVEN IN OUR SIN
(ROMANS 5:8) .
SCRIPTURE
" “AND THE YOUNGER OF THEM SAID TO THIS FATHER, “FATHER, GIVE ME
THE SHARE OF THE PROPERTY THAT IS COMING TO ME.” LUKE 15:12
• “BUT HE WAS ANGRY AND REFUSED TO GO IN.” LUKE 15:28
• BOTH SONS ENDED UP BEING PRODIGALS. BOTH LEFT, BUT ONLY ONE
RETURNED. WHAT IS MORE LIKELY TO KEEP YOU FROM GOD: YOUR
SIN OR YOUR GOOD WORKS?
“Gospel” (Resting) Love
“Irreleigious” (Rebellion) Relativism “Religious” (Righteousness) Moralism
DiagramsPREPARATION!
1. HAVE A WHITE BOARD READY
2. DRAW IT CLEARLY, LEGIBLY
3. SPEAK AS YOU DRAW AND DRAW IT IN ORDER OF YOUR ARGUMENT.
4. MAKE SURE THE AUDIENCE
IS CLEAR ON HOW THE DIAGRAM ANSWERS THE QUESTION OR DESCRIBES THE TOPIC.
5. ASK THEM TO IDENTIFY WITH ONE OF TWO SCENARIOS
2 WAYS THAT ROB THE GOSPEL OF ITS POWER
DIAGRAM
Diagrams are often very helpful because most people are visual learners. Anytime you can find a picture to reinforce words or biblical truth it almost always clarifies, sharpens, and clears up misunderstandings. Pictures often speak a
thousand words.
Look for drawings or ideas that are simple but capture a lot of meaning. A good test of simplicity is its reproducibility. Could the audience replicate this after one try? They need not be exhaustive, but are used to campture one main point.
Two ThievesThis diagram serves to answer the question, “What are the two opponents of the gospel?” First draw a line under the cross and ask your audience what are lifestyles that keep people from looking to a Savior. In other words, what are the two thieves
(two ways of living) that rob or steal the gospel way from us (represented by two false crosses). One is simple: a sinful life. It can be characterized as an irreligious or rebellios lifestyle in which the person is concerned with only themselves and getting by on their own moral code. In their eyes they are not that bad. Postmodern reletavism
is the authority for this world-view. The second way to live is a religious life. But this too is not a gospel-centered way to live. This person is concerend with meeting moral codes scripted from religous handbooks and deserves treatment from God based on
their good acts. People usually fall out on one of two sides. Ask them which side they fall out on. Each side has a descriptor for “identity label” (actions) and authority.
Just as Christ was crucified by two thieves, so this doctrine of Justification is ever crucified between opposite errors.” ~ Tertullian
DISCUSSION ? ’STopic – Prodigal Verse – Luke 15:11-32
Tertullian said, "Just as Christ was crucified between two thieves, so this doctrine of justification is ever crucified between two opposite errors." (Legalism = older brother; Liberalism = younger brother)
1. Describe the differences/similarities in the sons?
2. Which realization does the younger son make that leads him back home?
3. What does the older son fail to realize that keeps him from coming home?
4. How do both sons really leave their Father? Why do they leave Him?
5. Which one do you identify with most? Why?
Further study: Titus 3:3-7
Topic – Prodigal Verse – Luke 15:11-32
Tertullian said, "Just as Christ was crucified between two thieves, so this doctrine of justification is ever crucified between two opposite errors." (Legalism = older brother; Liberalism = younger brother)
1. Describe the differences/similarities in the sons?
2. Which realization does the younger son make that leads him back home?
3. What does the older son fail to realize that keeps him from coming home?
4. How do both sons really leave their Father? Why do they leave Him?
5. Which one do you identify with most? Why?
Further study: Titus 3:3-7
Topic – Prodigal Verse – Luke 15:11-32
Tertullian said, "Just as Christ was crucified between two thieves, so this doctrine of justification is ever crucified between two opposite errors." (Legalism = older brother; Liberalism = younger brother)
1. Describe the differences/similarities in the sons?
2. Which realization does the younger son make that leads him back home?
3. What does the older son fail to realize that keeps him from coming home?
4. How do both sons really leave their Father? Why do they leave Him?
5. Which one do you identify with most? Why?
Further study: Titus 3:3-7
M o v i e C l i p B i b l e S t u d y
Clip Summary and Set-up: Blood Diamond seeks to inform the viewer of the all potential atrocities that are happening as a result of the diamond craze in the western parts of the world. The movie is set in Sierra Leone which is shown to be a major diamond producer in Africa that is run over with guerilla warfare. The guerillas are
looking for ways to overthrow their national government but cannot do it apart from weapons received from their corrupt diamond industry. So, the guerillas mine diamonds in exchange for weapon purchases from western markets and the weapons are manned by child armies. The scene can be set up by stating that the boy (Dia
Vandy) has been stolen away from his family and childhood and the following clip is how the father (Solomon) reunites himself with his child after being taken hostage for some years. The boy has been brainwashed into a kiling machine and his father has to work through a very hostile interaction to redeem the lost relationship.
Blood Diamond
WORD: PRODIGAL PT. 2
MOVIE: BLOOD DIAMOND, 2006
CLIP: SCENE 28, (2:56), “I AM YOUR FATHER”
VERSE: LUKE 15:1-2
DIAGRAM: ARROWS
BIBLICAL PARALLELS - P. 2 DIAGRAM - P. 3 DISCUSSION - P. 4
PRODIGAL PT. 2Luke 15:1-2
Picking the Topic
FInd a word that communicates the subject matter most concisely, clearly, and
comprehensively. Think about the needs of your audience as you select your topic and make sure that your topic is biblically accurate and gospel-centered. The basics
of Christianity are the most misunderstood, yet most precious topics and one should look to start here. Usually
defining what a word is and what it is not is a good way to start and will give the audience a good reference point.
“I AM YOUR FATHER, WHO LOVES YOU AND YOU WILL COME HOME WITH ME AND BE MY SON AGAIN” ~SOLOMON
The MovieSet the Clip up with a movie context/summary and a lead in question. It is always helpful to fill people in where the scene falls in the stage of the movie (Only
give them the details that are needed to get the point you are trying to make.) Also, give your audience a lead in question.
This will tell them what to look for in the clip. Finally, look to make as many connections as you can from the clip with
reality - this will provide your transition to the verse.
Incorporating the BibleFind a Scripture that captures the truth you are looking to communicated clearly
and accurately. Try to find one that contains the word that you are focusing on for the study. This is the ground for
everything we are trying to communicate up until this point and we will build the discussion questions off of it.
BIBLIC AL PARALLELS
INTRODUCTION
TOPIC: PRODIGAL
DEFINE: RECKLESSLY EXTRAVAGANT
EXAMPLE: REMIND AUDIENCE OF THE EXTRAVAGANCE OF BOTH SONS
(REBELLION AND RIGHTEOUS WORKS) AND NOW WE WILL FOCUS ON THE
EXTRAVAGANCE OF THE FATHER
CLIP
LEAD-IN QUESTION:
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REUNION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
THE FATHER AND SON?
TRANSITION QUESTION:
HOW DO THE TWO CHARACTERS (SOLOMON & DIA) IN THE MOVIE
REPRESENT GOD AND HUMANITY IN REAL LIFE? MAKE SOME COMPARISONS.
CONNECTIONS:
DO YOU SEE THE FATHER LOOKING TO REUNITE THE RELATIONSHIP? HE IS
NOT LOOKING TO ESTABLISH A NEW ONE, BUT MERELY REUNITE ONE THAT
EXISTS BUT HAS BEEN LOST
• DIA WITH GUN - HUMANITY’S HOSTILITY TO GOD (ROM. 5:10)
• SOLOMON COMING FORTH - GOD PURSUING US EVEN IN OUR SIN
(ROMANS 5:8) HE TAKES THE BULLET IN OUR PLACE.
• SOLOMON TALKING - HE IS REMINDING DIA WHO HE IS. HE IS ALSO
REMINDING DIA WHO DIA IS. THE GOSPEL MAKES REALITY CLEAR TO US.
SCRIPTURE
" NOW THE TAX COLLECTORS AND SINNERS WERE ALL DRAWING NEAR TO
HIM. AND THE PHARISEES AND THE SCRIBES GRUMBLED, SAYING, “THIS
MAN RECEIVES SINNERS AND EATS WITH THEM.” LUKE 15:1-2
• DO YOU SEE HOW THE PARABLE ANSWERS THIS ACCUSATION FROM
THE PHARISEES?
Do Give Good Works
VS
Done Receive Grace
DiagramsPREPARATION!
1. HAVE A WHITE BOARD READY
2. DRAW IT CLEARLY, LEGIBLY
3. SPEAK AS YOU DRAW AND DRAW IT IN ORDER OF YOUR ARGUMENT.
4. MAKE SURE THE AUDIENCE
IS CLEAR ON HOW THE DIAGRAM ANSWERS THE QUESTION OR DESCRIBES THE TOPIC.
5. ASK THEM TO IDENTIFY WITH ONE OF TWO SCENARIOS
HOW DO YOU ATTEMPT TO REACH GOD?
!
!!
DIAGRAM
Diagrams are often very helpful because most people are visual learners. Anytime you can find a picture to reinforce words or biblical truth it almost always clarifies, sharpens, and clears up misunderstandings. Pictures often speak a
thousand words.
Look for drawings or ideas that are simple but capture a lot of meaning. A good test of simplicity is its reproducibility. Could the audience replicate this after one try? They need not be exhaustive, but are used to campture one main point.
!
The Arrows DiagramThis diagram serves to answer the question, “How do you attempt to reach God.” The leader can start by drawign two sets of the human icon (stick figure) and the written word, “God” across from them. The entire diagram gives two ways in
which people can answer the question depending upon which way the arrows face. Is it man’s attempt to reach God which results in a “doing, giving, and working” lifestyle? Or is Christianity best described in God’s attempt to reach man which results in a “Resting, Receiving, and Grace-filled” lifestyle. Those
categories at the end of the two scenarios may grant greater clarity. This is a good reinforcement of the parables in Luke 15 because the aim of the parables is to teach that God pursues the wayward sinner and saves them, not the other way
around.
DISCUSSION ? ’STopic – Prodigal Verse – Luke 15:1-2
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
1. What is the accusation of the Pharisees in the verse above? What are they implying by their comment?
2. Read all of Luke 15. In each parable, which Eigure represents God the Father? What does each Eigure have in common?
3. What is the main point of the three parables? What is Christ’s response to them?
4. How does this view of God change your understanding of grace and your salvation?
Further Study: Ephesians 2:1-5
Topic – Prodigal Verse – Luke 15:1-2
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
1. What is the accusation of the Pharisees in the verse above? What are they implying by their comment?
2. Read all of Luke 15. In each parable, which Eigure represents God the Father? What does each Eigure have in common?
3. What is the main point of the three parables? What is Christ’s response to them?
4. How does this view of God change your understanding of grace and your salvation?
Further Study: Ephesians 2:1-5
Topic – Prodigal Verse – Luke 15:1-2
“Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
1. What is the accusation of the Pharisees in the verse above? What are they implying by their comment?
2. Read all of Luke 15. In each parable, which Eigure represents God the Father? What does each Eigure have in common?
3. What is the main point of the three parables? What is Christ’s response to them?
4. How does this view of God change your understanding of grace and your salvation?
Further Study: Ephesians 2:1-5