Parable of the Prodigal Son — KJV Bible Study Guide
A free 10-lesson Bible study guide on parable of the prodigal son, drawn entirely from the King James Version. Each lesson opens with a study question, gives the verse reference, and offers a short teaching note. Use it for personal devotions, a small group, or a Sunday school class.
The 10 lessons
Lesson 1 · Luke 15:11 (KJV)
How many sons did the father have?
Answer: Two
Study note. A certain man had two sons.
Lesson 2 · Luke 15:12 (KJV)
What did the younger son ask for?
Answer: The portion of goods that falleth to me
Study note. Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.
Lesson 3 · Luke 15:13 (KJV)
Into what country did he go?
Answer: A far country
Study note. Took his journey into a far country.
Lesson 4 · Luke 15:13 (KJV)
How did he waste his substance?
Answer: With riotous living
Study note. There wasted his substance with riotous living.
Lesson 5 · Luke 15:15 (KJV)
What job did he take in the far country?
Answer: Feeding swine
Study note. He sent him into his fields to feed swine.
Lesson 6 · Luke 15:16 (KJV)
What did he long to eat?
Answer: Husks the swine ate
Study note. He would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat.
Lesson 7 · Luke 15:18 (KJV)
When he came to himself, what did he resolve to say to his father?
Answer: I have sinned against heaven and before thee
Study note. Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.
Lesson 8 · Luke 15:20 (KJV)
What did the father do when he saw him afar off?
Answer: Ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him
Study note. His father saw him… and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Lesson 9 · Luke 15:23 (KJV)
What animal did the father command to be killed?
Answer: The fatted calf
Study note. Bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it.
Lesson 10 · Luke 15:28 (KJV)
Why did the elder brother refuse to come in?
Answer: He was angry
Study note. He was angry, and would not go in.
Key verses to memorize
The passages this study returns to most often — pick one or two and commit them to memory this week.
Discussion questions
- Which lesson in this study surprised you the most, and why?
- How does parable of the prodigal son point us to Jesus Christ and the gospel?
- Pick one verse from the key passages above. How does it shape the way you will pray, read, or live this week?
- Who in your life could you share one of these truths with in the next seven days?