The Prodigal Son | Luke 15: 11-32

 

Lesson Goal:

To help children understand that God loves us accepts us, and longs for us to have a relationship with Him, no matter how dirty, sinful, and shameful we are.

 

Lesson Overview:

Read over Luke 15:11-32: Jesus told a story of a boy who asked his father for money and then left home to live wildly. He quickly spent all of his money and became discouraged and nearly starved. Finally, he returned to his father, only to discover that his father was waiting for his return. The story shows God's great love for us.

 

Today's Bible Story:

 

 Video Courtesy of Sharefaith

 

Memory Verses:

Luke 15:24 (ERV)

²⁴ My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.

Meaning:  This story illustrates the relationship we have with God. Despite our daily failings, God loves us and wants us to be with Him. No matter what we do, God loves us and wants a relationship with us.

 

The Big Idea:

No matter what we do, God loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. The prodigal son is one of the many parables Jesus told during His ministry on Earth. Parables are stories that help us to understand the nature of God. This parable helps us to understand the depth of God's love for us. We are the sons, and God is the father.

1. Sons/Us: We often squander and take for granted the blessings God so freely gives us, none of which we truly deserve.

2. Father: He knows our hearts and understands that we really do love Him. He provides for us and blesses us, even though we did nothing to earn them. When we stray, He waits for us to return to Him. When we repent of our sins, He forgives us.

 

Prayer:

Dear God, sometimes it's hard to believe how much You love us. Thank You, that like the father did for his son in this story, You love and forgive us, no matter how far we've strayed. Help us to see the blessings you provide and not take them for granted. We ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

Fun Activities:

The Prodigal Son Bible Bookmarks
The Prodigal Son Bible Mazes
The Prodigal Son Bible Word Search Puzzles
The Prodigal Son Kids Spot The Difference
The Prodigal Son Sunday School Coloring Pages
The Prodigal Son Sunday School Crossword Puzzles