A Suggested Path
on a Journey of Encounter with the
Parable of the Prodigal Son
guided by Dr. Lee Magness
Step 1 ~ The Text of the Prodigal Son
1) Read the text of the parable of the Prodigal Son in several translations of all types, trying to
read the very familiar parable with fresh eyes.
2) Read about the Text of the Prodigal Son in the commentary found at ProdigalsAll.com ~
BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>Encountering the Text (all sections).
~Write Reflection Paper #1 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion
meditation or a personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one
insight you gained from your reading.
3) Study the painting by James Janknegt and my analysis of it on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER> Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Janknegt 2002 and Janknegt Interpretation.
~Write Reflection Paper #2 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 2 ~ The Biblical Context of the Prodigal Son
1) Read about the New Testament Biblical Context of the Prodigal Son at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>Encountering the Literary Context>The New Testament
Context>Gospels>Luke 9-19 and Luke 15 and Epistles>Philemon and Romans.
2) Read about the Old Testament Biblical Context of the Prodigal Son at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>Encountering the Literary Context>The Old Testament Context>Jacob
and Psalm 23 and Jonah.
~Write Reflection Paper #3 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one insight you gained from your reading.
3) Study the painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Quist on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>
Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Quist 1975.
~Write Reflection Paper #4 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 3 ~ The Cultural Context of the Prodigal Son
1) Read about the Cultural Context of the Prodigal Son in Kenneth Bailey, The Cross and the Prodigal.
2) Read about the Cultural Context of the Prodigal Son at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Meaning
and Application>Encountering the Cultural Context>Cultural Questions and Cultural Answers for each section.
~Write Reflection Paper #5 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one insight you gained from your reading.
3) Study the painting by Edward Riojas and my analysis on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic
Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Riojas 2000s and Riojas Interpretation.
~Write Reflection Paper #6 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 4 ~ The Theological Meaning of the Prodigal Son
1) Read Keller, The Prodigal God, for Theological Insights into the parable, consulting the reading guide on
ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application> Encountering the Theological
Meaning>Keller Prodigal God.
2) Read the article on the nature of God as seen in the Prodigal Son at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>Encountering the Theological Meaning>Theological Meaning>God.
~Write Reflection Paper #7 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one insight you gained from your reading.
3) Study the painting by Slevogt and my analysis on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic
Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Slevogt 1899.
~Write Reflection Paper #8 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 5 ~ The Spiritual Application of the Prodigal Son
1) Study the painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Rembrandt on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Rembrandt 1668.
~Write Reflection Paper #9 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
2) Read Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son, for a beautiful example of the Spiritual Application of the parable,
consulting the reading guide on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>
Encountering the Theological Meaning>Nouwen Return.
~Write Reflection Paper #10 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of your reading.
Step 6 ~ Literature and the Prodigal Son
1) Read the novel Home, by Marilynne Robinson. Before reading the novel, consult the Reading Guide at
ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Fiction. Return to the
Reading Guide to direct your reflections on your reading experience.
~Write Reflection Paper #11 ~ Compose a critique of approximately 200-250 words, reflecting on how the
characters in the novel are like and unlike the characters in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
2) Explore the poetry based on the parable by Rossetti, Rilke, and McDonnell on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Poetry>. Use the Reading guides on the website to direct your
reading and reflection.
3) Explore the short fiction by Pushkin and Rilke on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic
Impact>The Prodigal Son in Fiction>. Use the Reading guides on the website to direct your reading and reflection.
~Write Reflection Paper #12 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one insight you gained from one of these
poems or short stories.
Step 7 ~ Music and the Prodigal Son
1) Explore the popular songs referred to on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER> Artistic Impact>The
Prodigal Son in Music ~ and any others that you may discover.
2) Study the lyrics and listen to the opera The Prodigal Son, by Britten and Plomer, as found on ProdigalsAll.com ~
BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Music>Britten.
~Write Reflection Paper #13 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of one piece of music.
3) Study the painting, The Departure of the Prodigal Son, by Tissot on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Tissot 1880.
~Write Reflection Paper #14 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 8 ~ Film/Drama and the Prodigal Son
1) View A River Runs Through It, a film based on the novella by Norman Maclean, using the viewing guide on
ProdigalsAll.com to direct your viewing and response
2) View the short cinematic and dramatic clips found at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic
Impact>The Prodigal Son in Film/Drama>.
~Write Reflection Paper #15 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some insight into the parable you gained from
this film.
3) Study the painting, The Departure of the Prodigal Son, by He Qi on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>He Qi 1996.
~Write Reflection Paper #16 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 9 ~ Dance and the Prodigal Son
1) View the DVD of Balanchine’s ballet, The Prodigal Son, using the viewing guide on ProdigalsAll.com to prepare
you for and direct you through your viewing experience ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal
Son in Dance>.
~Write Reflection Paper #17 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some insight into the parable you gained from
this dance.
2) Study the painting, The Departure of the Prodigal Son, by Palma on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Palma 1595.
~Write Reflection Paper #18 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 10 ~ Painting and the Prodigal Son
1) Read and study the essay on "Art, Exegesis, and Interpretation" at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Art, Exegesis, and Interpretation
2) Look over the list of artists who have painted scenes from the parable of the prodigal son, some more than one
scene, and do an internet search for any paintings that interest you.
~Write Reflection Paper #19 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of one painting that you have
not previously reflected upon.
Nearing the destination
Compose a sermon, an essay, a series of lessons, a set of poems, a short story, a play, or a film script or produce a musical composition, a painting, a video, or any other creative expression through which you gather up and communicate some of the insights you have gained by your encounter with the parable of the prodigal son.
1) Read the text of the parable of the Prodigal Son in several translations of all types, trying to
read the very familiar parable with fresh eyes.
2) Read about the Text of the Prodigal Son in the commentary found at ProdigalsAll.com ~
BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>Encountering the Text (all sections).
~Write Reflection Paper #1 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion
meditation or a personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one
insight you gained from your reading.
3) Study the painting by James Janknegt and my analysis of it on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER> Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Janknegt 2002 and Janknegt Interpretation.
~Write Reflection Paper #2 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 2 ~ The Biblical Context of the Prodigal Son
1) Read about the New Testament Biblical Context of the Prodigal Son at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>Encountering the Literary Context>The New Testament
Context>Gospels>Luke 9-19 and Luke 15 and Epistles>Philemon and Romans.
2) Read about the Old Testament Biblical Context of the Prodigal Son at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>Encountering the Literary Context>The Old Testament Context>Jacob
and Psalm 23 and Jonah.
~Write Reflection Paper #3 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one insight you gained from your reading.
3) Study the painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Quist on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>
Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Quist 1975.
~Write Reflection Paper #4 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 3 ~ The Cultural Context of the Prodigal Son
1) Read about the Cultural Context of the Prodigal Son in Kenneth Bailey, The Cross and the Prodigal.
2) Read about the Cultural Context of the Prodigal Son at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Meaning
and Application>Encountering the Cultural Context>Cultural Questions and Cultural Answers for each section.
~Write Reflection Paper #5 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one insight you gained from your reading.
3) Study the painting by Edward Riojas and my analysis on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic
Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Riojas 2000s and Riojas Interpretation.
~Write Reflection Paper #6 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 4 ~ The Theological Meaning of the Prodigal Son
1) Read Keller, The Prodigal God, for Theological Insights into the parable, consulting the reading guide on
ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application> Encountering the Theological
Meaning>Keller Prodigal God.
2) Read the article on the nature of God as seen in the Prodigal Son at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>Encountering the Theological Meaning>Theological Meaning>God.
~Write Reflection Paper #7 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one insight you gained from your reading.
3) Study the painting by Slevogt and my analysis on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic
Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Slevogt 1899.
~Write Reflection Paper #8 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 5 ~ The Spiritual Application of the Prodigal Son
1) Study the painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Rembrandt on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Rembrandt 1668.
~Write Reflection Paper #9 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
2) Read Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son, for a beautiful example of the Spiritual Application of the parable,
consulting the reading guide on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Meaning and Application>
Encountering the Theological Meaning>Nouwen Return.
~Write Reflection Paper #10 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of your reading.
Step 6 ~ Literature and the Prodigal Son
1) Read the novel Home, by Marilynne Robinson. Before reading the novel, consult the Reading Guide at
ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Fiction. Return to the
Reading Guide to direct your reflections on your reading experience.
~Write Reflection Paper #11 ~ Compose a critique of approximately 200-250 words, reflecting on how the
characters in the novel are like and unlike the characters in the parable of the Prodigal Son.
2) Explore the poetry based on the parable by Rossetti, Rilke, and McDonnell on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Poetry>. Use the Reading guides on the website to direct your
reading and reflection.
3) Explore the short fiction by Pushkin and Rilke on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic
Impact>The Prodigal Son in Fiction>. Use the Reading guides on the website to direct your reading and reflection.
~Write Reflection Paper #12 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on one insight you gained from one of these
poems or short stories.
Step 7 ~ Music and the Prodigal Son
1) Explore the popular songs referred to on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER> Artistic Impact>The
Prodigal Son in Music ~ and any others that you may discover.
2) Study the lyrics and listen to the opera The Prodigal Son, by Britten and Plomer, as found on ProdigalsAll.com ~
BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Music>Britten.
~Write Reflection Paper #13 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of one piece of music.
3) Study the painting, The Departure of the Prodigal Son, by Tissot on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Tissot 1880.
~Write Reflection Paper #14 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 8 ~ Film/Drama and the Prodigal Son
1) View A River Runs Through It, a film based on the novella by Norman Maclean, using the viewing guide on
ProdigalsAll.com to direct your viewing and response
2) View the short cinematic and dramatic clips found at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic
Impact>The Prodigal Son in Film/Drama>.
~Write Reflection Paper #15 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some insight into the parable you gained from
this film.
3) Study the painting, The Departure of the Prodigal Son, by He Qi on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>He Qi 1996.
~Write Reflection Paper #16 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 9 ~ Dance and the Prodigal Son
1) View the DVD of Balanchine’s ballet, The Prodigal Son, using the viewing guide on ProdigalsAll.com to prepare
you for and direct you through your viewing experience ~ BEGIN THE ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal
Son in Dance>.
~Write Reflection Paper #17 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some insight into the parable you gained from
this dance.
2) Study the painting, The Departure of the Prodigal Son, by Palma on ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Palma 1595.
~Write Reflection Paper #18 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a personal
reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of this painting.
Step 10 ~ Painting and the Prodigal Son
1) Read and study the essay on "Art, Exegesis, and Interpretation" at ProdigalsAll.com ~ BEGIN THE
ENCOUNTER>Artistic Impact>The Prodigal Son in Painting>Art, Exegesis, and Interpretation
2) Look over the list of artists who have painted scenes from the parable of the prodigal son, some more than one
scene, and do an internet search for any paintings that interest you.
~Write Reflection Paper #19 ~ Compose a devotional for a small group or a communion meditation or a
personal reflection of approximately 200-250 words based directly on some aspect of one painting that you have
not previously reflected upon.
Nearing the destination
Compose a sermon, an essay, a series of lessons, a set of poems, a short story, a play, or a film script or produce a musical composition, a painting, a video, or any other creative expression through which you gather up and communicate some of the insights you have gained by your encounter with the parable of the prodigal son.
