YEA Lesson Library
Father Loves His Son
About This Lesson
Using the parable of the prodigal son, this lesson teaches God’s willingness to forgive when we go to Him with a repentant heart.
Scriptures
Psalm 86:3-7
Psalm 86:5
Psalm 103:1,3,12
Matthew 18:21-22
Luke 6:37
Luke 15:4-32
1 Corin. 13:4,7
Words to Know
FORGIVE - not want to punish for doing wrong
The Lesson
A man had two sons. The younger son said, “Daddy, please give me the money you have for me.” The son took the money and left home. He went to a place that was far away.
The son started doing a lot of bad things. He spent all his money on bad things. Soon he didn’t have money to buy food or clothes. He got very hungry. The young man met a farmer who raised pigs. God says we shouldn’t eat pigs. The farmer gave him a job feeding the pigs. The son was so hungry, the pig’s food looked good to him. Do you know what pigs eat? Garbage!
The son thought, “I had better food to eat at home. I think I will go home.” Maybe his father would give him a job. Then he wouldn’t have to feed pigs and go hungry. So, he started walking home.
The father missed his son. One day he saw someone coming down the road. It was his son coming home. The father was very happy. He ran to his son. He gave him a big hug and kiss.
The son told his father he was sorry for the bad things he did. He said, “I’m not good enough to be your son.” But the father forgave him. He still loved his son. He gave him a party with all his favorite food. He gave his son new clothes, shoes, and a ring for his finger. The father was happy to have his son home.
Do you ever do bad things? You can tell your Heavenly Father you’re sorry.
He will forgive you. He loves you like the father loved his son.
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Luke 6:37
Monday - Luke 15:4-6
Tuesday - Luke 15:7
Wednesday - Matthew 18:21-22
Thursday - Luke 15:10
Friday - Psalm 103:1,3,12
Saturday - 1 Corinthians 13:4,7
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:
1. Tell what the son did with the money his father gave him.
2. Tell where the son ended up.
3. Describe what the father did when the son returned.
4. State that God will always love them and forgive them when they are sorry.
Topics & Themes
Fathers
Forgiveness
God’s love
Jesus, His Ministry
Parable of Prodigal
Son
Reconciliation
Repentance
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students’ and Teacher’s books, attendance and memory verse charts, stars, songbook, CD or cassette tape, music player, pink construction paper, scissors, glue, 6" and 9” paper plates, wiggle eyes, crayons
Preparation
Preschoolers form their initial perceptions of God from home, family, and their relationships with adults. Children in single parent homes may not have a good relationship with their fathers. This lesson about a father and a son gives a wonderful opportunity to show a father’s love for his child and God’s love and forgiveness.
Before you come to class, enlarge and print the pattern pieces on pink construction paper.
Review Questions
1. What did the son ask the father to give him?
2. Where did the son go?
3. Why did the son get so hungry?
4. What kind of job did he find?
5. Was his father mad when the son came home?
6. How did the father show that he still loved his son?
7. If you do bad things, what should you do?
8. Will Jesus still love you if you do bad things?
REACH Activity
Letter: H
Words: had, happy, heavenly, him, home, have, hug, hungry, he
Sentence:
THE FATHER WAS HAPPY TO HAVE HIS SON HOME. THE FATHER GAVE HIS SON A BIG HUG! YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER WANTS TO HEAR WHEN YOU ARE SORRY.
Song
“Jesus Loves Me” is on page 6 of the Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Dear Father, Thank you that the son came back home. Thank you that Jesus forgives when we do bad things if we are truly sorry. Help me always try to be good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Printable Pages
