Skip to main content
    All Sunday school lessons
    Free · KJV · Lesson Plan

    The Prodigal Son: Sunday School Lesson

    Luke 15:11–32

    Ages 5–11 ~45 min Memory: Luke 15:24
    Download printable worksheet PDF

    Big Idea

    Our Heavenly Father always sees us coming home — He runs to forgive every sinner who repents.

    Story Summary

    A certain man had two sons. The younger son asked for his share of the inheritance, took everything, and went into a far country, where he wasted it all on wild living. When a famine came he had nothing left and ended up feeding pigs — so hungry he would have eaten the husks they ate. Then he came to himself and said, 'I will arise and go to my father.' While he was still a great way off, the father saw him, ran to him, fell on his neck, and kissed him. He put the best robe on him, a ring on his hand, shoes on his feet, and they made a great feast — for this son was lost and is found.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”

    Luke 15:24

    Discussion Questions

    1. What did the younger son ask his father for?

      Teacher hint: His share of the inheritance — he wanted it now (Luke 15:12).

    2. What happened after he spent all his money?

      Teacher hint: A famine came and he ended up feeding pigs (Luke 15:14-16).

    3. What does 'he came to himself' mean (Luke 15:17)?

      Teacher hint: He realized how foolish he had been and decided to go home.

    4. What did the father do when he saw his son coming?

      Teacher hint: He ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him (Luke 15:20).

    5. What does this parable teach us about God the Father?

      Teacher hint: He is full of mercy and joyfully welcomes every sinner who turns back to Him.

    Craft Idea: Welcome-Home Ring Card

    Supplies

    • Card stock folded as a card
    • A paper ring shape or a piece of yellow yarn tied in a circle
    • Markers or crayons
    • A Luke 15:24 label

    Steps

    1. On the front of the card, draw two figures hugging — the father and his returning son.
    2. Glue the paper ring beside them.
    3. Inside the card write, 'My father ran to meet me.'
    4. Stick the Luke 15:24 label inside to take home and memorize together.

    Printable Worksheet

    The printable bundle includes the story page, a Luke 15:24 memory-verse card, a 10-question quiz worksheet with answer key, and a Prodigal Son coloring page.

    Download PDF Take the quiz online Coloring page This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Luke 15:11–32.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the welcome-home ring card.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

    More Sunday school lessons

    Judges 13–16

    Samson the Strong

    Ages 6–12 · ~45 min

    Esther 1–10

    Queen Esther Saves Her People

    Ages 5–11 · ~45 min

    Joshua 6

    Joshua and the Walls of Jericho

    Ages 4–11 · ~45 min

    Exodus 3

    Moses and the Burning Bush

    Ages 5–11 · ~45 min

    Ruth 1–4

    Ruth and Naomi

    Ages 5–11 · ~40 min

    Ephesians 6:10–18

    The Whole Armor of God

    Ages 5–12 · ~45 min

    Mark 4:35–41

    Jesus Calms the Storm

    Ages 3–10 · ~40 min

    Genesis 3

    Adam and Eve in the Garden

    Ages 5–11 · ~45 min

    Genesis 4

    Cain and Abel

    Ages 7–12 · ~40 min

    Where to go next

    Teaching The Prodigal Son? Here is what to grab next for your class.