The Way Back – Teaching Series

Series Overview | The book of Jonah and Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son show us a God who pursues His people. Whether we’re running away, hitting rock bottom, or wrestling with what we think is fair, God’s love and mercy meet us and call us back. This series will encourage students to turn back to God and embrace the life and mission He has for them. 

Session 1: The Runaway (Jonah 1; Psalm 139:1-12) | Jonah runs from God’s call, and chaos follows him and others. But in the midst of it, God’s pursuit never fails. This session challenges students to see that they can’t outrun God’s pursuit.

Session 2: The Giant Fish (Jonah 2) | Jonah hits rock bottom in the belly of the giant fish. This session challenges students that the way back to God starts when we call out to God and come back to Him. When they do, God hears them and rescues them. 

Session 3: Nineveh and the Prodigal (Jonah 3; Luke 15:11-24) | Jonah obeys God, Nineveh turns back to God, and God responds with mercy. Jonah’s story and Jesus’ story of the prodigal son show us that when we turn back to God, we’re met with His mercy.

Session 4: Changed (Jonah 4; Luke 15:25-32) | Jonah is angry that God showed mercy to Nineveh, and Jesus’ parable of the prodigal reveals the older brother’s resentment toward his brother. Students will see that God’s mercy doesn’t just bring us back-it changes us by reshaping our hearts to look like His.