Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is an amazing story to teach kids about God’s love. Children can learn that God is a loving father and wants to welcome them back even when they do bad things. This page lists our lesson plans, craft activities, and coloring pages based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
Lesson Plans for Kids on the Prodigal Son
Prodigal Son Coloring, Crafts, and Game Ideas
- The Prodigal Son Coloring Pages
- Parable of the Prodigal Son Craft Activities
- Games & Activities from Sermons 4 Kids (offsite link)
- Prodigal Son Craft for Sunday School (offsite link)
- Forgiveness Craft from Meaningful Mama (offsite link)
Kid Friendly Translation of the Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-32 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV) Children’s Translation
The Story of the Lost Son for Kids
11 Jesus continued, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger son spoke to his father. He said, ‘Father, give me my share of the family property.’ So the father divided his property between his two sons.
13 “Not long after that, the younger son packed up all he had. Then he left for a country far away. There he wasted his money on wild living. 14 He spent everything he had. Then the whole country ran low on food. So the son didn’t have what he needed. 15 He went to work for someone who lived in that country. That person sent the son to the fields to feed the pigs. 16 The son wanted to fill his stomach with the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything.
17 “Then he began to think clearly again. He said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough food! But here I am dying from hunger! 18 I will get up and go back to my father. I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven. And I have sinned against you. 19 I am no longer fit to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”?’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
“While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him. He was filled with tender love for his son. He ran to him. He threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.’
22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattest calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 This son of mine was dead. And now he is alive again. He was lost. And now he is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 “The older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants. He asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come home,’ the servant replied. ‘Your father has killed the fattest calf. He has done this because your brother is back safe and sound.’
28 “The older brother became angry. He refused to go in. So his father went out and begged him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve worked like a slave for you. I have always obeyed your orders. You never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But this son of yours wasted your money with some prostitutes. Now he comes home. And for him you kill the fattest calf!’
31 “?‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me. Everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad. This brother of yours was dead. And now he is alive again. He was lost. And now he is found.’?”New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
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How can you teach the message of the Prodigal Son for Children?
The Prodigal Son is a story about a young man who leaves his family and goes out into the world. He spends all his money on bad things, and eventually winds up feeding pigs. He’s so hungry that he eats the food that the pigs are eating, and then he decides to go home.
His father is so happy to see him that he throws a party, and everyone celebrates. The son asks his father to forgive him, and the father does. This story teaches us that God is always happy to see us when we come back to Him, no matter what we’ve done wrong.
You are doing a great job, this is the first time i get to know about kids club. The videos in kidclub are very helpful. May the Lord bless you and your ministry in Jesus name, amen. Thanks
Glad you enjoy them. I’ve been a fan of Crossraods Kids Club for a while. Their videos are very engaging and biblical. IT’s awesome they let you download them free from VIMEO.
I really enjoy your lessons and resources. God has definitely bless our lives with your ministry. God bless you!
Great insight on how to approach this story from the children’s lenses, bravo