The Parable of the Prodigal Son: Summary and Meaning

Film Focus: In this video, Jared Dees walks viewers through the Parable of the Prodigal Son and discusses each character’s unique role. He uses this parable to discuss our need to embrace forgiveness in our own lives.

Text Focus: Pages 326-328

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever had an experience of undeserved forgiveness? Have you ever extended undeserved forgiveness? Discuss these experiences.
2. How might the father in this parable have felt to see his son who was “dead to him” return home? If you were placed in this same situation, how would you react?
3. With which son do you most closely identify in this parable? Why?
4. Forgiveness can be hard. Have you ever struggled with forgiveness? What does this parable teach us about the way we should forgive? Discuss one thing you can do next time you experience a situation where you need to forgive.

*Ave Maria Press has requested permission to link to this video for use in the classroom as part of the accompanying lesson. If for any reason, the producer does not wish this video to be included on this site, Ave Maria Press will remove it posthaste.