Chapter 6: My Father's Glad Welcome

How this works

Listen to Joanne read the chapter using the audio player above, and then dive into the corresponding group discussion questions below.

Chapter 6 - Group Discussion Questions

1. The joy of the father in the parable is revealed by his several flauntings of Jewish custom and protocol. Consider and comment on the significance of the father’s actions.

2. Describe some characteristics of the table in the home of the prodigal son.

3. Recall and describe the emotions you felt when someone extended a glad welcome to you.

4. What is your reaction to the author’s suggestion that hospitality might be used to bless the restoration of a once-broken relationship?

5. Do you think the elder brother eventually joined the dinner party?  Has there ever been an event you refused to go to, but then later regretted your decision?

Going Deeper

1. Take time to remember your “glad welcome” reception into God’s love. Spiritual maturity moves forward, reaches up, and grows deep roots; but there’s power in returning to our first love. Read Revelation 2:4. How can a practice of hospitality fan into flame the joy of your “first love” encounter with Christ.

2. Do you currently have a broken relationship in the body of Christ? How does the picture of breaking bread with that person motivate or threaten you? Take time at your own table to pray for this relationship, asking God to give you the next step.

3. Is your heart struggling with a prodigal son or daughter? As you wait, weep and pray, take time to boldly imagine the meal you would serve if that child were to return to the Father.

Taste and See

Perhaps there is no other food that best symbolizes Jesus' glad welcome than bread. There's nothing like the comforting aroma of bread baking. I prefer going the whole-grain route in its pure form, but many people aren't accustomed to that heavier taste. Also if you're a novice at bread baking you'll most likely get a fuller rise by mixing both whole-grain and white flour.  Here's a great basic recipe, but don't hestiate to throw in extra nutruitional ingredients such as oatmeal, pumpkin seeds, nut of choice, raisins or other dried fruit.  

Honey Wheat Bread   

• 3 cups water, slightly warmed

• 1/4 cup oil of choice

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 2 cups unbleached white flour

• 7-8 cups (aaproximately) whole wheat flour
  

Warm the water then add oil honey, yeast salt and just white flour. Let sit about 20 minutes. (This "resting " time is called the sponge.)  Then stir down, add any extras (dried fruit, etc) and then whole wheat flour.  Dough should feel slightly moist but not  hard to handle. Avoid a too-dry ratio as well, by adding last cup of whole wheat gradually.  Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 miutes. Place i a large greased bowl. Cover and leave in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size. Punch down. Form 2 loaves, place in 2 greased pans. Cover and rise 1 hour. Bake 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes.   (Use an insta-read thermometer totest doneness. It should registrar around 190 degrees.)    NOTE: use parchment paper to fully line bread pans. Your bread will then easily be removed from pan for cooling rack.