The Story of the Prodigal Son for kids

The Story of the Prodigal Son for kids is another well-known story from the Bible in the New Testament, shared by Jesus to illustrate the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and unconditional love (Luke 15:11-32).

See also: Jonah And The Big Fish Bible Story For Kids

The Story of the Prodigal Son for kids

Once upon a time, there was a man who had two sons. The younger son approached his father and said, "Father, give me my share of the inheritance now." The father, though saddened by his son's request, divided his property between his two sons.

The Younger Son's Reckless Living

The younger son, full of excitement and eager to experience life, gathered all his belongings and set off to a distant country. There, he squandered his wealth in reckless living. He wasted his money on extravagant parties, luxurious possessions, and harmful indulgences. But as time passed, a severe famine struck the land, and the young man found himself penniless and desperate.

He became so destitute that he had to work feeding pigs, a job that was considered unclean and humiliating for a Jewish person. In his lowest moment, he longed to fill his empty stomach with the food meant for the pigs. He realized the gravity of his mistakes and the love he had taken for granted.

With a heavy heart and a newfound humility, the younger son decided to return to his father. He rehearsed a speech, hoping his father would at least take him back as one of his hired servants. He believed he was no longer worthy to be called his son.

The Father's Compassion and Joyful Reunion

As the young man journeyed home, his heart filled with anxiety and uncertainty. But to his astonishment, while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and ran to him. Filled with compassion and love, the father embraced his lost son, kissing him and weeping tears of joy.

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 him and called to his servants, "Quick! Bring the finest robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Prepare a feast and let us celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."

The father's love and forgiveness overwhelmed the younger son. Despite his mistakes and foolishness, his father welcomed him back with open arms, not as a servant but as a beloved son.

The Elder Son's Anger and Resentment

Meanwhile, the elder son, who had remained obedient and faithful to his father, grew angry when he learned of his brother's return. He felt it was unfair that his father would celebrate the younger son's homecoming after all the trouble he had caused.

The Father's Explanation and Emphasis on Celebration

The father, understanding the elder son's feelings, came out to talk to him. He explained, "Son, you have always been with me, and all that I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad because your brother was lost and is now found."

The Prodigal Son Coloring Page

Click on each image below to print the coloring page.

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. - Luke 15:11-12

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. - Luke 15:20

And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” - Luke 15:31-32

The Prodigal Son Activities

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a powerful story about forgiveness, redemption, and the unconditional love of a father. Here are some activities to help explore and understand the story in a meaningful way:

1. Prodigal Son Skit

• Description: Divide participants into groups and assign them roles to act out the story. Encourage them to think about the emotions the characters might be feeling.
• Materials: Costumes or props as available.

2. Pig Pen Craft

• Description: Create a pig pen using craft sticks glued to a piece of cardboard. Add clay or play-dough pigs. Discuss how the son ended up feeding pigs and his realization to return home.
• Materials: Craft sticks, cardboard, clay or play-dough.

3. Welcome Home Banner

• Description: Make a "Welcome Home" banner for the prodigal son. Discuss the father's unconditional love and forgiveness as they decorate.
• Materials: Large paper or fabric, markers, paint, decorations.

4. Two Brothers Character Study

• Description: Compare and contrast the two brothers in the story through discussion or a written activity. Focus on their actions, attitudes, and the lessons we can learn from each.
• Materials: Paper and pencils for drawing or writing.

5. Forgiveness Letter Writing

• Description: Write a letter from the perspective of either the father, the prodigal son, or his brother. The letter should express their feelings about the events of the story.
• Materials: Paper, pens.

6. Lost and Found Game

• Description: Hide small items around a room or outdoor area. As participants find them, discuss how the father felt when his lost son returned.
• Materials: Small items to hide.

7. Prodigal Son Maze

• Description: Create or print a maze that leads to the father's house. This can symbolize the son's journey back to his father.
• Materials: Paper and pencils or printed mazes.

8. Feast Preparation

• Description: Prepare a simple feast similar to what the father might have prepared for the son's return. Discuss the joy of the father and the meaning of the celebration.
• Materials: Ingredients for simple snacks or a meal.

9. Heart of the Story Collage

• Description: Create a collage that represents themes of the story such as forgiveness, repentance, and joy. Use magazine cutouts, drawings, or printed images.
• Materials: Magazines, paper, glue, scissors.

10. Role-play Discussion

• Description: Role-play different endings to the story, focusing on the reactions of the father, the prodigal son, and the brother. Discuss how each ending changes the message of the parable.
• Materials: None needed.

These activities can be adapted for various age groups and settings, providing a hands-on way to engage with the timeless lessons of the Prodigal Son.

Wrapping Up Story

The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us about the boundless love and forgiveness of a father for his wayward child. It demonstrates God's unconditional love and His willingness to welcome those who repent and turn back to Him. It also reminds us that no matter how far we stray or how big our mistakes, there is always a path of forgiveness and reconciliation waiting for us.

The story encourages us to be compassionate and forgiving towards others, just as the father showed compassion and forgiveness to his younger son. It teaches us the value of humility, repentance, and the joy that comes from reconciliation and restoration.

Ultimately, the Prodigal Son reminds us that no matter how lost or unworthy we may feel, we can always find our way back to the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father, who eagerly awaits our return with open arms.