The Prodigal Son: Sunday School Lesson
Luke 15:11–32
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.
Memory Verse (KJV)
“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”
Luke 15:24
Discussion Questions
- What did the younger son ask his father for?
Teacher hint: His share of the inheritance — he wanted it now (Luke 15:12).
- What happened after he spent all his money?
Teacher hint: A famine came and he ended up feeding pigs (Luke 15:14-16).
- What does 'he came to himself' mean (Luke 15:17)?
Teacher hint: He realized how foolish he had been and decided to go home.
- 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).
- 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
- On the front of the card, draw two figures hugging — the father and his returning son.
- Glue the paper ring beside them.
- Inside the card write, 'My father ran to meet me.'
- 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.
Lesson flow (45 minutes)
- Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
- Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Luke 15:11–32.
- Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
- Craft (15 min): Make the welcome-home ring card.
- Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.
More Sunday school lessons
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1 Samuel 17
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Jonah 1–4
Jonah and the Whale
Ages 4–10 · ~40 min
Luke 2 · Matthew 1–2
The Birth of Jesus
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Genesis 1
The Days of Creation
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Daniel 6
Daniel and the Lions' Den
Ages 5–11 · ~45 min
Exodus 14
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Genesis 37 · 39–45
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Luke 10:25–37
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Mark 10:13–16
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Luke 19:1–10
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Matthew 14:22–33
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John 6:1–14 · Matthew 14:13–21
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Judges 13–16
Samson the Strong
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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
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Mark 4:35–41
Jesus Calms the Storm
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Where to go next
Teaching The Prodigal Son? Here is what to grab next for your class.