Small Group Study Guide: Echoes of Divine Pursuit in Hosea and Jesus’ Parables

Opening Reflection

Spend a minute in silence picturing someone searching for you through the wilderness. Feel the anticipation and relief of being found. Let this set the tone as we explore God’s relentless love.

Icebreaker

Go around the group and share:

• A time you felt lost or disconnected.
• How someone reached out to you—and what that meant in your journey back.

Scripture Reading Plan

1. Read Hosea 11:1–4 (God’s pursuit with “bands of love”).
2. Read Luke 15:4–7 (The parable of the Lost Sheep).
3. Read Luke 15:11–24 (The parable of the Prodigal Son).

Encourage everyone to note words or phrases that stir emotion or conviction.

Key Themes Comparison

Theme	Hosea 11:1–4	Luke 15:4–7	Luke 15:11–24
Divine Pursuit	“I drew them with cords of love”	Shepherd leaves ninety-nine to find one	Father runs to meet his son
Unconditional Value	Israel cherished despite rebellion	One sheep valued above the flock	Son restored without conditions
Joyful Restoration	Promise of healing and return	Celebration with friends	Feast and robe on the son

Discussion Questions

1. In Hosea 11, what does “bands of love” reveal about how God responds to our failures?
2. How does the shepherd’s action in Luke 15:4–7 deepen your understanding of God’s value for each person?
3. What strikes you about the father’s welcome in the Prodigal Son story? How does it reflect Hosea’s promise in Hosea 14:4?
4. Where do you see resistance or hesitation in your own heart to pursue or forgive others?

Application Exercises

1. Journaling: Write down one area in your life where you feel distant from God. Then script a prayer inviting Him to pursue you there.
2. Partner Prayer: Pair up and pray for courage to extend radical grace to someone who’s “strayed” in your community.
3. Outreach Plan: As a group, identify one person who may feel lost—then commit to a practical way to reach out this week (call, visit, send a note).

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for never letting us go, for chasing us even when we wander, and for celebrating our return with joy. Teach us to mirror Your extravagant love to everyone we meet. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Further Reflection

• Compare Hosea’s language of covenant with the father’s vow to his son—how do both speak of “betrothal” to God’s people?
• Read other “return” passages (e.g., Jeremiah 29:13–14) and discuss how consistent God’s pursuit remains across Scripture.