The big ideaIn Jesus's story, a father runs to welcome his son home.
How it works
Jesus told a story about a father with two sons. The younger son asked for his share, packed his things and left for a far country.
He spent all his money on parties. Then a famine came and he had nothing left for bread. He took a job feeding pigs and was very hungry.
He decided to go home, tell his father he had let him down, and ask to work for him. While he was still far off, his father saw him and ran to him with his arms wide open.
The father gave him the best robe, a ring and sandals, and they held a feast. The older son was angry. The Bible does not say whether he went in.
The younger son's road.
🧥the best robe💍a ring👡sandals🍽️a feast
Gifts from the father.
Example 1: Put it in order
First the younger son asked for his share and left.
Then the money ran out and a famine came, so he took a job feeding pigs.
Next he came to his senses and set off for home.
Last his father ran to meet him and they held a feast.
Example 2: Compare the two sons at the end
The younger son sat at his father's table, home at last.
The older son stood outside with his arms folded.
The father went to both of them. He told the older son that he was always with him.
Example 3: Fix the mistake
Someone says the father sent his son away.
Look back: the father ran down the road, threw his arms around him and held him tight.
Fix it: the father welcomed him home.
Words to know
famine
A time when there is not enough food for everyone.
feast
A big meal for a celebration.
compassion
A deep love for someone who is hurting.
servant
A person who works in someone's house.
Watch out
The father saw his son while he was still far off, and he ran. He did not wait at the gate.
The son planned to say sorry and ask to work. His father hardly let him finish and called for the best robe.
The story stops with the older son outside. The Bible does not say whether he went in.
Try it
What did the younger son do with his money?
What did the father do when he saw his son far off?
What three things did the father call for?
Where did the older son stand?
Answers: 1. Spent it all · 2. He ran to him · 3. A robe, a ring and sandals · 4. Outside, with his arms folded
Try at homeWith a grown-up, talk about a time someone welcomed you back after a mistake. Then give someone a welcome hug.
For grown-upsThe episode says the father's love did not wait for a speech. Ask your child what the father did, and let them say in their own words how the younger son might have felt.
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