Preschool – Parables: The Prodigal Son

Memory Verse:
I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. — John 14:6

Scripture Reference

Luke 15: 11-32 (Jesus Storybook Bible, p. 272-279)

Teaching Truth

• God is always ready and happy to forgive us of our sins.

Questions to Ask Your Child

• Why did the son want to leave home?

• How do you think the son felt when he decided to go home?

• How did the father feel when he saw his son returning?

• The father never stopped loving his son even when he made bad choices. Does God ever stop loving us even though we make bad choices?

Family Activity

It is important to help your child understand that we should forgive others, but it is equally important for him to understand that God first forgave us. Have your child scribble with a black crayon over a piece of white cardstock paper. Ask your child to tell you what sin is (anything we think, say, or do that does not please or honor God) and explain that the black marks represent sin. Next, paint over the black crayon with white paint. Tell your child that Jesus forgives us and covers our sins, just as the white paint covered the black crayon marks.

Wrap-Up

With each lesson, help your child apply what they have learned by asking, “What do you think God wants us to learn from this story?” If you get stuck with finding the answer, refer to the weekly Teaching Truths.