The Prodigal Son
A young man took his share of his father's money and wasted it far away. When he came home sorry, his father ran to hug him and threw a feast.
You will learn to...
- Retell the parable of the lost son.
- Describe how the father welcomed his son home.
- Understand God's forgiving love.
Words to know
- Prodigal
- Wasteful; spending carelessly.
- Compassion
- Deep care for someone who is hurting.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
Jesus told about a man with two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the family money, then went far away and wasted it all.
A famine came and he was so hungry he took a job feeding pigs, wishing he could eat their food. He thought, 'My father's workers have plenty. I'll go home and say I'm sorry.'
While he was still far away, his father saw him, felt compassion, ran to him and hugged him. The father gave him a robe, a ring and sandals and threw a party. The older brother was upset, but the father said, 'Your brother was lost and is found!'
The father in this story shows what God is like: he is ready to forgive and welcome us home when we turn back to him. The older brother reminds us to be glad when others are forgiven too.
See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn’t know us, because it didn’t know him.
Family conversation starters
- Are you more like the younger or older brother sometimes?
- How do we welcome each other after an argument?
Main people: Jesus · Topics: Parables, Forgiveness, God's love, Coming home · Review status: awaiting theological review