The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Bible Lesson for Kids
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a powerful way to illustrate God’s love, forgiveness, and grace. Engaging activities can bring this parable of Jesus to life, whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschooling parent, or work in a faith-based school. Explore craft ideas, fun games, YouTube video recommendations, and printable lesson plans to help children understand and connect with this story of a father’s love for his son.
What’s the parable of the prodigal son about?
The Prodigal Son is found in Luke 15:11-32. It’s the story of a man with two sons. The younger son asked his father for his share of the family’s money, then squandered all the money on foolish things.
Now destitute, the younger son asked a farmer if he could work in the field and care for the pigs. At one point, the son looked at the pig slop and considered eating it. Finally, the son returned home, hoping to become a servant in his father’s house. Instead, he was welcomed with an embrace and a party.
The older son, on the other hand, served his father faithfully. But when his younger brother returned home, he became bitter and jealous that a party was thrown for his younger brother.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Parable of the Prodigal Son? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.
PRODIGAL SON VS. LOST SON
Different Bible translations use different titles for this parable. Translations like the King James Version, the New King James Version, and the English Standard Version call it The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Other translations like New International Version, New Living Translation, and Christian Standard Bible call it The Parable of the Lost Son.
“Prodigal” comes from the Latin word prodigus, which means “wasteful” or “extravagant”. “Lost” aligns with the other parables in Luke 15: the lost coin and lost sheep. Both descriptions accurately describe the son and point to different aspects of the story.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRODIGAL SON
In this parable, the father represents God. And the two sons represent people.
We might be like the younger son and try to do things our own way. Or we might be like the older son and do things God’s way but have negative things in our hearts.
God knows we will mess up, and He is patient with us. Like the father in the story, God will always forgive us when we return to him, and welcome us home with open arms.
WELCOME HOME HUG CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
The father welcomed the prodigal son home with a giant hug. So, why not create a simple “hug” craft? First, have kids trace their hands. They might need a partner to trace their non-dominant hand for them. You can also use the hand template pieces in The Prodigal Son for Older Kids.
Next, have kids cut and color the three pieces of their verse: For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.
Kids will glue these strips together and then glue those between their cut-out hands to show outstretched hands for a hug.
A printable craft to accompany the Parable of the Prodigal son.
COMING HOME CRAFT FOR YOUNGER KIDS
In this printable craft, kids will slide the son back home to the father!
Younger kids will love creating an interactive craft where the prodigal son is glued to a popsicle stick. Using the template pieces in The Prodigal Son for Preschool, have kids color their pieces. You will likely have to help with the cutting aspects of this craft (or enlist older kids to pre-cut the pieces) because some of the cutting is delicate - especially the slit in the middle of the page.
Once the pieces are all cut and colored, glue the prodigal son to the popsicle stick and insert him into the slit in the scene. Slide the prodigal son along the slit to show him running home to the father.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON
Welcome Home Banners: Have kids create welcome home banners or signs as a reminder that God always welcomes and forgives us when we return to him, just like the prodigal son returned to his father.
Pig Slop Relay: You could create fun relays to recreate life in the pig pen. Create a relay race where kids have to use a spoon to carry objects like pompoms, Cheerios, rice grains, etc., from one bowl to another. Or, if you can be outside, have kids use a sponge to transport water from one bucket to another. This will be messy…kind of like living in a pig pen.
Pig Pen Snack: Use chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, and candies to create a fun snack for kids. Kids have great imaginations, and seeing the pudding as mud wouldn’t be a stretch.
Piggy Banks: Have kids decorate and paint a piggy bank. Then, encourage them to make wise choices with their money, unlike the prodigal son. Dollar stores often have inexpensive piggy banks in their craft sections.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON
This is a powerful story about God’s great love for us, and many kids would love to see it in video form. Below are some suggestions. Please preview any videos you show for age-appropriateness and content.
Two Sons and a Father (Prodigal Son) by Crossroad Kids’ Club
Check out The Beginner’s Bible: The Prodigal Son for a longer episode-length video.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE PARABLEs OF JESUS?
This lesson is part of a five-week series on the parables Jesus told. The other stories include The Wise and Foolish Builders, The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Parable of the Sower.
These lessons about the Parables of Jesus are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades.
The Prodigal Son is a beautiful story about God’s love and forgiveness. People love this story and can often picture themselves as one of the sons. There are many ways to help engage kids in this story and make it memorable.
