The Lost Son
Luke 15:11-32
Jesus told this parable about how God is a loving and forgiving God. “There was a man who had two sons,” said Jesus. “He owned a big farm.” “His youngest son did not want to work anymore. He wanted to travel and have fun. So he asked his dad for his share of the family money.” “When the son got the money he packed his things and left. He couldn’t wait to see the world! His family was sad to see him go.” “At first he had fun spending the money. He bought expensive clothes, and he ate fancy food. But soon all the money was gone.”
“He had to go to work and he got a job with a pig farmer. The farmer sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He was so hungry that even the pigs’ food looked good, but the pigs would not even give him any of their food. The son wanted to go back home. He said, ‘I will tell my father I am sorry for what I have done. I do not deserve to be called his son.’” So he got up and went to his father.
“But while the son was still a long way off, his dad saw him coming down the road. He was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” “The son said, ‘Please forgive me, Dad.’ That night, they had a big party. The father exclaimed, ‘My son was lost, but now he’s found.’”
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring out the meat and let’s have a feast and celebrate. For my son was lost, and is found.’ So they began to celebrate his son’s return.
Bible Story Questions & Answers
Talk about what the Bible story was about by asking the children questions. You can decide ahead of time how you want them to answer the questions. I like to have the children raise their hand to answer the question. If they are incorrect that is fine. You can say what the answer is or ask: “Does anyone else have a thought or answer to the question?”
Questions to ask if you like:
- How many sons did the man have? (Two)
- Did the youngest son want to work on his Dad’s farm anymore? (No)
- What did he want to do? (He wanted to travel and have fun)
- What did the Dad give his youngest son? (His share of the family
money)
- Did the son save his money or spend his money? (He spent his money)
- When all his money was gone did he need to get a job? (Yes)
- What was his job? (To feed pigs)
- When the son was really hungry what looked good to eat? (The pigs
food)
- Did he decide to go back home? (Yes)
- Was he going to tell his dad he was sorry and ask him for forgiveness? (Yes)
- Was his dad happy to see him? (Yes)
- What did his dad have for his son? (A big party to celebrate him returning home)
- Do you think God is like the father and is forgiving? (YES)
Prayer
While sitting on the floor with criss cross legs, have the children repeat after you. You can have them fold their hands and close their eyes or just sit quietly and say after you. Following is a prayer written out that you can use, or you can make up your own.
Dear God (children repeat)
Thank you for this day (children repeat)
Please help me (children repeat)
To come to you (children repeat)
When I have a problem (children repeat)
Thank you for your loving kindness (children repeat)
And for always being there for me (children repeat)
And for forgiving me (children repeat)
When I make a bad choice (children repeat)
I love You (children repeat)
Amen (children repeat)
