21 Days of Family Devotions - Day 10: Parable of the Prodigal Son
Today’s lesson is about the parable of the prodigal son.
Read the Passage: Luke 15:11-32
[11] And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. [12] 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. [13] Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. [14] And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. [15] So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. [16] And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
[17] “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! [18] I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. [19] I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ [20] 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. [21] And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ [22] But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. [23] And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. [24] For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
[25] “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. [27] And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ [28] But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, [29] but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. [30] But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ [31] And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. [32] It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Watch the Video:
Tell the Story:
The Lost Son - CLICK HERE to view the story slides
The Jealous Son - CLICK HERE to view the story slides
NOTE: If you click on the first slide it will go full screen and a script will be on the bottom of the screen.
Discuss the Questions:
Do you remember what a parable is? (A story Jesus told to illustrate/show a spiritual truth)
Do you know what an inheritance is? (How families pass down money and property to the next generation)
What did the younger son want his dad to do with his half of the family inheritance? (Give it to him right now)
When the younger son got his money, what did he do with it? (Wasted it all on parties and friends)
When he had nothing left, where did he get a job? (For a pig farmer)
The younger son got so hungry, he wanted to eat what? (Pig food)
What did the younger son decide to do? (Go home and ask his father to forgive him and ask him to give him a job as one of his servants – he didn’t deserve to be called his son)
When the father saw him way down the road, what did he do? (He ran to him and hugged him. He didn’t wait for him; the father ran to him.)
What did the father get for the son and tell his servants to prepare? (Clothes and prepare a party)
When the older son got home from work and heard about the party, what was his reaction? (He was mad)
Why was the older brother mad? (Because he stayed home with his dad and worked hard while his little brother was out playing and wasting his dad’s money.)
What did the father tell the older brother? (That the oldest son would still get everything he was promised, but they had to celebrate because the younger brother had come home.)
What was Jesus trying to teach us with this parable? (That God will always forgive us, no matter what we do or where we go. He will run out to meet us when we turn to Him.)
Have some Fun:
Sing some Songs:
