Jesus told many parables to teach important lessons about God’s love and forgiveness. One of the most famous is The Story of the Prodigal Son. It’s about a young man who made big mistakes but was welcomed back with open arms by his loving father. This story reminds us that no matter how far we wander, God’s love is always waiting for us.

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Fun Fact: The word “prodigal” means wasteful or reckless, but this story is really about forgiveness and grace!

Link to Other Story: Discover how Paul found forgiveness and a new purpose!

The Story of the Prodigal Son for kids

Chapter 1: The Younger Son’s Big Mistake

There was once a father who had two sons. One day, the younger son said, “Father, give me my share of the inheritance now.” This was a rude request—it was like saying, “I wish you were already dead!” But the father agreed and divided his property between his two sons (Luke 15:11-12).

The younger son packed his bags, left home, and went to a faraway country. There, he wasted all his money on wild living. Soon, he had nothing left. To make things worse, a famine struck the land, and he was starving. He got a job feeding pigs, but even the pigs ate better than he did (Luke 15:13-16).

Discussion Question: Have you ever made a big mistake? How did you feel afterward?

Chapter 2: Coming to His Senses

One day, as the younger son sat in the pigpen, he realized how foolish he had been. He thought, “Even my father’s servants have more than enough to eat, and here I am starving! I will go back to my father and say, ‘I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Please take me in as one of your servants.’” (Luke 15:17-19).

So, he started the long journey home.

Chapter 3: The Father’s Loving Welcome

While the younger son was still far away, his father saw him coming. Filled with compassion, the father ran to his son, hugged him, and kissed him. The son began his rehearsed speech: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

But before he could finish, the father interrupted. He called his servants and said, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Kill the fattened calf and let’s have a feast! For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” (Luke 15:20-24).

The house was filled with music, dancing, and celebration.

Chapter 4: The Older Son’s Reaction

Meanwhile, the older son was working in the field. When he heard the celebration, he asked a servant what was happening. The servant told him, “Your brother has come home, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.”

The older son was angry and refused to go inside. He said to his father, “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who wasted your money comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!”

The father replied, “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:25-32).

What Can We Learn from This Story?

1️⃣ God’s Love is Unconditional:
No matter how far we wander or how many mistakes we make, God’s love never changes. He’s always ready to welcome us back with open arms.

2️⃣ Forgiveness is Always Possible:
The father forgave his son completely, just as God forgives us. No sin is too big for God’s grace when we come to Him with a repentant heart.

3️⃣ Don’t Compare Yourself to Others:
The older son’s jealousy reminds us to focus on our own relationship with God instead of comparing our blessings to others’.

4️⃣ It’s Never Too Late to Come Home:
No matter what we’ve done or how long we’ve been away, God is always ready to forgive and restore us when we return to Him.

5️⃣ Celebrate Restoration:
The father threw a party for his lost son. Similarly, heaven rejoices when one person turns back to God. We should celebrate forgiveness and restoration too!

Discussion Questions:

• Have you ever felt like the younger son, needing forgiveness?
• Have you ever felt like the older son, jealous of someone else’s blessings?
• How can you show forgiveness and love to others?

Bible Verses to Remember

• “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
  —Luke 15:20
• “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
  —1 John 1:9
• “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
  —Ephesians 4:32

Activity: Apply the Lesson!

1. Draw the Story: Create a comic strip of the prodigal son’s journey, from leaving home to the big celebration.
2. Write a Letter: Imagine you’re the younger son writing to his father. What would you say?
3. Role Play: Act out the story with friends or family. Who will play the father, the younger son, and the older son?

More Stories to Explore:

• Paul Escapes in a Basket
• Peter’s Miraculous Escape from Prison
• The Fiery Furnace: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

I hope that you have been blessed by this story of The Story of the Prodigal Son. Please don't forget to share this story with others, reflect on its message, and let it strengthen your faith.