Introduction: The Context of the Parables

1. The Target Audience: Wolfmueller argues that while we often focus on the younger son, the "entire point" of the parable is actually the older brother. How does knowing that Jesus was specifically addressing the "murmuring" Pharisees and scribes change your perspective on the story?
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2. The Father's Love: The author notes that Jesus did not "blast away" at religious leaders while only loving the "sinners," but rather that He loved the Pharisees and died for them too. Why is it important to see the Father's invitation to the older brother as an act of mercy?
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3. The Three Inclinations: The book identifies three slaveries: slavery to appetites, a troubled conscience, and self-righteousness. Can you identify moments in your own life where you felt the "tug" of each of these inclinations?
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Section 1: Belly Slaves

1. The Illusion of Freedom: The younger son views his father's house as a prison and his rebellion as "emancipation." Why does "belly-slavery" (slavery to passions) so often feel like freedom at the beginning?
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2. The Role of Culture: Wolfmueller suggests that modern culture has been engineered to "accelerate" lusts rather than repress them. How does the "anti-flesh pressure" of a healthy culture differ from the "hedonistic" culture described in the text?
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3. The Half-Freedom of Contrition: Why is contrition (the recognition of sin) described as only a "half-freedom"? According to the text, why is it so difficult for humans to admit they have "sinned" rather than just "made a mistake"?
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4. Opinio Legis: What is the "opinion of the law" mentioned in the text, and why do we instinctively feel that "well-doing" is the solution to "wrong-doing"?
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Section 2: Despair

1. The "Hired Hand" Mentality: Why is the younger son's request to be a "hired servant" (misthion) considered a form of despair rather than true freedom? What is the difference between a "son" and a "hired hand" in terms of their relationship to the Father?
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2. Religion of the Law vs. Gospel: Francis Pieper is quoted saying there are only two religions in the world. How does the "Religion of the Law" (reconciling God through works) differ from the "Religion of the Gospel" (faith in Christ's reconciliation)?
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3. Vicarious Satisfaction: The author explains that the Father doesn't just "forget" the son's sins; he pays for them himself. How does the doctrine of vicarious satisfaction (Jesus taking our place as the "scapegoat") provide the only true cure for the "groaning conscience"?
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4. The Nature of Faith: If a command is meant to be followed, why is a promise meant to be believed? How does this distinction explain the statement that we are "saved by grace through faith"?
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Section 3: Pride

1. The Older Brother's Slavery: The older brother claims he "served" his father for many years and never "transgressed." How does this reveal that he viewed his father as a master rather than a father?
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2. The Transactional Heart: Wolfmueller describes pride as "transactional," always thinking it is getting the "short end of the stick." In what ways does the older brother's anger at the "fatted calf" reveal his own joyless bondage?
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3. The Offense of Mercy: Why is pride described as "offended at the mercy of God"? Why would a self-righteous person prefer a "judgment seat" over a "mercy seat" for their neighbor?
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4. Angel Joy: What is "Angel Joy," and why is it considered the "third freedom"? How does rejoicing in the salvation of others (even those we feel are "undeserving") prove we have been set free from pride?
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Conclusion: The Joy of the Angels