The Prodigal Son

1. Opening question

Ask: "Have you ever lost something you really cared about — and then found it? How did it feel?" Take 2–3 answers.

Say: "Today's story is about a father who lost something more important than any thing — and what happened when he got it back."

2. Read the story

Set the scene in one sentence first: "Jesus told this story because some people were complaining that he spent time with people who had done wrong things (Luke 15:1–2) — keep that in mind when we meet the older brother."

Then read Luke 15:11–32 aloud, or have confident readers take turns (vv. 11–16, 17–24, 25–32).

For younger groups, pause twice: after v. 16 ("What has the younger son done so far?") and after v. 24 ("What did the father do when he saw him coming?").

3. Quiz game

Option A — Classroom Mode: 2–3 teams, kids answer aloud or with A/B/C/D cards. After each reveal, read the explanation line. Untimed; let discussion happen.

Option B — on paper (no screen needed): hand out the student quiz sheets from the print pack. Read each question aloud, kids mark answers (solo or in pairs), then go through the answer key together, reading each reference. Same questions, same discussion moments.

4. Talk about it

1. "Why do you think the younger son decided to go home?" (v. 17 — "he came to his senses")

2. "The father ran to meet him. What does that tell us about God?"

3. "The older brother was angry. Was that fair? What did the father tell him?" (vv. 31–32)

Close the discussion with the text's own picture: "While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him, was filled with compassion, and ran to him (v. 20). Jesus told this story so we'd know that's what God is like — ready to run and welcome back anyone who comes home."

5. Closing

Recap the objective in one sentence together.

Optional memory verse: Luke 15:24 ("…he was lost and is found.").

Hand out take-home slips / tell kids a game link is going to their parents. Short closing prayer.