LESSON OVERVIEW FOR ADULTS
In Luke 15:11–32, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son to teach about God’s forgiveness and love. A young man disrespects his father by demanding his inheritance early and leaving home. After wasting everything, he returns and is welcomed by his father with open arms. This story is often seen as a picture of God’s love for sinners and how He is ready to forgive those who turn back to Him.
For young children, the emphasis is on learning to respect family members, especially parents. In this age group, respect looks like listening, helping, saying kind words, and being thankful. This story gives us a way to show that when we love and obey our parents, we are also showing love to God.
OPENING ACTIVITY 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Muddy Pigs
Items Needed
- Pig Painting Sheet
- Brown Paint
- Paint Brushes
- Water
- Paper Towels
Give each child a pig cut out. Have them paint “mud” all around the pig. Explain that in today’s story we are going to learn about a son who left his father and worked at a pig farm.
BIBLE VERSE GAME 10:30–10:40
Items Needed
- Bible Verse Poster
- Stuffed Animal Pig
- Song
Have the children pass the pig around. When the music stops, help them say the memory verse.
“Honor your father and your mother.” -Exodus 20:12
SONG 10:40–10:50
BIBLE STORY 10:50–11:00
- Where is this found in the Bible? Luke
- Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? New Testament
Story:
Jesus told a story about a boy who didn’t show respect. He asked his father for money and left home. He didn’t listen, help, or stay close to his family. He used all his money and got very hungry. He even fed pigs! Then, he remembered how kind his father was. He went home and said, “I’m sorry.” His father didn’t get angry. He ran to hug him! He was so happy his son came back.
Object Lesson: Show a pair of shoes. Ask: “Where do these go?” Say: “Just like shoes belong at home, we belong with our family and with God. When we go the wrong way, we can always come back.”
Theological Questions:
- Who forgives us when we say sorry? (God)
- Who wants us to love our family? (God)
Life Application Questions:
- What can you do to help at home?
- What words show respect to Mom or Dad?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for loving us when we mess up. Help me to honor my parents like You want me to. Amen.
BIBLE CRAFT 11:00–11:15 | Welcome Home Door Hangar & Party Hat
Items Needed
- Door Hangar Template
- Party Hat
- Crayons
- Stickers
Have kids color and decorate their door hangar and party hats with stickers. Remind them that the father welcomed the son home and threw a party because he had returned.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE | LUKE 15:11-32 (KJV)
11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
PARENT TAKE HOME SHEET
Today’s Key Takeaway: Respect Parents
What I learned today:
God wants me to respect my parents.
Jesus told a story about a boy who left home and came back.
His father forgave him and loved him a lot.
Questions to Ask Me:
- Who told the story in the Bible? (Jesus)
- Who forgives us when we’re sorry? (God)
- Who loves us even when we mess up? (God)
- Who wants us to honor parents? (God)
- Who ran to hug the boy? (His father)
- What can you do to help at home? (Pick up toys, listen)
- What words show respect? (Thank you, Yes Mom)
- How can you obey quickly? (By doing what I’m told right away)
- What should you say when you’re wrong? (I’m sorry)
- What can you do to show love to your family? (Give hugs, say kind words)
