The Parable of the Prodigal Son

What distinguishes a parable from a fable?

• Parables are longer than fables.

• Parables use human characters, while fables use animals, plants, or inanimate objects.

• Fables are based on true stories, while parables are fictional.

What is a parable?

• A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson by making a comparison

• A detailed biography of a historical figure

• A scientific explanation of natural phenomena

• A legal document outlining rules and regulations

What does the word "prodigal" mean?

• Generous

• Wasteful, particularly with regard to money

• Thrifty

• Lost

If there were two brothers, how was the inheritance divided according to the background notes?

• Each brother got half of the estate

• The older brother got 2/3 of the estate, and the younger brother got 1/3

• The inheritance was not divided; it was kept intact

What did the father do to celebrate the return of his younger son?

• A) He gave him new clothes and a ring

• B) He threw a small dinner

• C) He sent him back to the fields to work

• D) He asked him to repay the inheritance

What assurance did the father give to the older son?

• That he would have to share his inheritance with the younger brother

• That he would still receive his inheritance

• That he would have to leave the house

Which event is considered the turning point or climax of the Parable of the Prodigal Son?

• When the son is in the pig pen and realizes he should go home

• When the father embraces him

• When the son asks for his inheritance

• When the older son complains to the father

Describe the mood of the Parable of the Prodigal Son and explain how it shifts throughout the story.

• The mood is consistently joyful throughout the story.

• The mood shifts from despair to hope as the story progresses.

• The mood is tense and fearful from beginning to end.

What message does the father want the older son to understand about forgiveness?

• Forgiveness is conditional and depends on the son's actions.

• Forgiveness should be given to both sons, no matter what.

• Forgiveness is only for the younger son who has repented.

What human quality does the older son represent in the parable?

• Idolatry and immaturity

• Jealousy of the acceptance of the younger son

• Loyalty in that he's been by his father's side

• Rebelliousness and irresponsibility