Parable of the Two Sons

The parable of the two Sons: Luke 15:11-32

Jesus told this parable of the two sons when he was trying to help people understand more about God's love. He said there was much joy among the angels and God over one wicked person who repents of his past sins and comes back to the Lord. The story Jesus said was:

There was a man who had two sons. The older son was a good and hard worker. The younger son told his father "give me the part of the property that is mine because I want my inheritance now"! So the father gave him the money from his half of the inheritance and the younger son traveled to another country wasting his money recklessly. He spent all day partying and spending his money until he had nothing left. A great famine fell upon the country and the son had no food, no friends and was forced to take the lowly job of looking after pigs and feeding them. He was so hungry that he could have eaten the pigs food because no one helped him or gave him anything. He thought that even his fathers servants have a better life than he and also plenty of food. He then decided to go back home and plead to him to his Father that he had sinned against God and his father, and he wasn't worthy to be his son anymore, and wanted to just be a servant of his dad. As he headed home, his father saw the youngest of the sons a long way off in the distance and began to run to him and hugged and kissed him. The son began to say to him that he had sinned against him and God and was not fit to be his son anymore. But his father stopped him and asked his servants to bring the best robe for him quickly, as well as a ring for his finger and sandals for his bare feet. His father also ordered the servants to prepare the biggest calf for a great feast and party to welcome the son home. The father said to his servants "Look, my son was dead, but now he is alive, he was lost but now he is found". They all then began to celebrate. The oldest son was returning from the field and heard music and dancing and asked a servant what was going on. He was told it was a homecoming party for his younger brother. The older brother became very angry and did not join the party. Then his father came out and the older son turned away and said to his father "I can't believe I've served you obediently all these years and I have never received a party, but my good for nothing little brother returns and is treated like royalty!" The father responded "Son you have always been with me and everything I have is yours. I thought your brother was dead and lost but I have found him alive and well so I am happy he has returned".

Questions for kids:

1) Who does the father in the story remind you of? Why?

2) Why would God and the angels in heaven jump up and down and have a party in heaven when one evil person is saved?

3) Have you ever sinned against God and felt scared that he wouldn't forgive you? How does that make you feel?

4)Which of the two sons do you identify with? Do you have a brother or sister who reminds you of the other son?

Father, I know sometimes I make mistakes and don't always act the way I should. I thank you for forgiving me anyway and showing me how much you love me. I repent of my past sins and receive your love and forgiveness. In Jesus name. Amen

Recommended resource for kids:

Two sons-Additional Bible Stories

Used by permission of Beth Rimstidt www.child-bible-lessons.com

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