Lesson kit: The Prodigal Son

Lesson aim

God is a Father who always welcomes us with open arms when we come back to him.

Key verse

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” Luke 15:21

Lesson plan

1. 1

   Welcome · 5 minutes

   Greet the children, sing a song they know and say a short prayer.

2. 2

   The story · 10 minutes

   Tell the story with the illustrations on the big screen or by reading it aloud, page by page.

   Open on the big screen →
3. 3

   Talk · 10 minutes

   Ask the questions below and let the children answer in their own words.

4. 4

   Activity · 10 minutes

   Hand out the printed sheet: each child draws their favourite scene and practises the verse.

5. 5

   Closing prayer · 2 minutes

   Close by thanking God for what you learned today. God is a Father who always welcomes us with open arms when we come back to him.

Discussion questions

1. What did the younger son do with the money?
2. How did the father react when his son came back?
3. What does this story teach about God’s forgiveness?

Summary for the teacher

Jesus told of a son who asked for his share of the inheritance, went far away, and spent it all. Hungry, he decided to go home and ask his father for forgiveness. While he was still far off, his father ran to him, hugged him, gave him new clothes, a ring, and sandals, and threw a big party, because his lost son had been found.