Bible Lesson on the Prodigal Son for Kids
LESSON OVERVIEW
Theme: Forgiveness & Homecoming
Big Truth: No matter what, the Father runs to welcome us back.
Key Verse: “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him…” — Luke 15:20
Bible Story: Luke 15:11–32
Pillar Focus: Presence (Living from the Father’s love)
1) Leader Introduction:
Have you ever messed up and felt afraid to come home? That has happened to almost all of us, no matter what our ages are. In this popular and most impactful Bible Story, Jesus shows us a Father who runs toward us with love. He never stops because He loves us! This would be an impactful time with your kids and even your leaders!
2) Game: “Far Country / Home” Run
Mark two walls: “Far Country” and “Home.” Call out scenarios: “Disobeyed—Far Country!” “Said sorry—Home!” Have the kids run from one side to the other to get them laughing.
Kids, just like you were running back and forth, Jesus runs after us! He will never leave us, and that is a hint for today’s Lesson!
3) Praise & Worship
Praise: “Homecoming” (Bethel Music), “Deep Cries Out” (Bethel Kids)
Worship: “Run to the Father” (Cody Carnes)
Encounter Time: Invite kids to picture the Father’s open arms, and them hugging Jesus!
4) Bible Story — Puppet Show
Cast (Puppets - these can be real puppets or even sock puppets):
Narrator (voice guiding the story)
Father
Younger Son
Older Brother
Pig (comic relief, but also an emotional moment)
Props & Visual Ideas:
Money bag (felt pouch with fake coins/dollar signs)
Pig trough (small bucket with paper scraps/slop)
Robe (small fabric draped on a puppet)
Ring (pipe cleaner shaped into a ring for a puppet finger)
Music cues: wild party music, sad violin music, joyful celebration music
Streamer or confetti for the feast celebration
SCRIPT
Scene 1 – At Home
Narrator:
“Once there was a father who loved his two sons very much. But one day, the younger son made a surprising request…”
Younger Son (excited, selfish tone):
“Father! I don’t want to wait until you die. Give me my share of the inheritance now! I want to go live my own life.”
Father (sad but calm):
“My son… everything I have is already yours. But if that is your choice… then here is your inheritance.” (hands over money bag prop)
Narrator:
“And so the younger son packed up his things and left home.”
Scene 2 – Wild Living
(Play upbeat, silly music. Younger Son dances, throws money, laughs. Pig puppet appears with sunglasses for comic relief.)
Younger Son:
“Woohoo! Look at me! I’m rich! Drinks for everyone!”
Narrator:
“He spent his money on wild living… until one day…”
(Music stops suddenly. Younger Son looks into empty money bag.)
Younger Son (worried):
“Oh no… it’s all gone. I have no money left!”
Narrator:
“About that time, a famine spread across the land. The younger son was so hungry, he went to work feeding pigs.”
Scene 3 – Feeding the Pigs
(Younger Son kneels beside Pig puppet, who snorts and slurps exaggeratedly from a food trough.)
Younger Son (disgusted, desperate):
“Ugh… pig slop. That looks… kinda tasty right now. I wish I could eat it.”
Pig (snorts, teasing):
“Oink! Hands off, buddy. This is my lunch.”
Narrator:
“Then the younger son remembered something very important…”
Younger Son (thinking, soft tone):
“My father’s servants have food to spare… and here I am starving. I will go home. I’ll tell my father, ‘I have sinned against heaven and against you. I don’t deserve to be your son. Just make me like one of your servants.’”
(He begins to walk slowly, head bowed, dragging a suitcase prop or bundle.)
Scene 4 – The Father’s Love
Narrator:
“But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him…”
(Father puppet rushes in, arms wide open, excited tone.)
Father (joyful, loud):
“My son! My son! You’ve come home!”
(Father hugs Younger Son tightly. Audience should feel the emotion.)
Younger Son (teary, broken voice):
“Father… I have sinned against heaven and against you. I don’t deserve to be called your son.”
Father (interrupting, full of joy):
“Nonsense! Bring the best robe! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! Let’s have a feast—my son was lost, but now he’s found!”
(Father drapes robe prop on Son, slips ring prop on finger, happy music begins.)
Scene 5 – The Older Brother
Narrator:
“But not everyone was happy. The older brother came in from the field…”
Older Brother (angry, jealous tone):
“Father! All these years I’ve worked for you. I never disobeyed you. But you never threw me a party! Yet when he wastes your money and comes back, you celebrate?!”
Father (calm, loving):
“My son… you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate, because your brother was lost, and now he is found!”
(Older Brother looks conflicted—arms crossed, but slowly softens.)
Scene 6 – Closing
Narrator:
“And so the father showed mercy, forgiveness, and love. No matter how far we run, God is always waiting to welcome us back home.”
All Puppets Together:
“Because no matter what—our Father runs to welcome us back!”
5) Holy Spirit Activation
Let the kids sit in a straight line, and assign leaders to walk around and affirm the Kids. Saying statements like “You Belong.”, “Welcome Home.” “Nothing you can do will stop Jesus from loving you.”
6) Small Group Questions
Why did the son leave?
What did the Father do when he came back?
How can we welcome others like the Father?
What can I do this week to show people Jesus’ love?
7) Prayder (Repeat-after-me)
“Father God, thank you for loving me! Thank you for always welcoming me home every single time. Thank you that you are safe to run to, and that you forgive me and welcoming me. Holy Spirit, would you highlight family members and friends this week who need to know that you are celebrating them and love them, so I can share this amazing good news with them. Amen.