This Week’s Bible Story
Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32) One day, Jesus told his friends a story about a man who had two sons. His younger son packed up all his things and went to a land far, far away. He spent everything his father had given him until there was nothing left. So the boy decided to go home and beg his father to let him come back. His father was so happy that his son returned that he threw a big party to celebrate.
Monthly Verse: God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. ISAIAH 12:2
Check-in + Worship
As kids check in, invite them to join their parents in the Auditorium during worship. Once the worship set ends, wait in the back for kids to join you and lead them back to the Zion Kids area.
Connect
Let each kid answer today’s icebreaker question: What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?
Bible Story
Look up Luke 15:11-32 and tell the Bible story in your own words.
Key Story Points:
One day, Jesus told his friends a story. “Once upon a time, there was a man who had two sons. He gave everything he had to the two of them.” A few days later the younger son packed up all his things and went to a land far, far away. He spent everything his father had given him until there was nothing left. The only job he could find was feeding the pigs at a farm nearby. He was so hungry that even the pig food looked good to him! But no one gave him anything. So the boy decided to go home and beg his father to let him come back. The boy was not sure if his father would be happy or mad! When his father saw him on the road, he started running toward him. His father gave him a big hug and smiled. “My son was lost but now he is found,” he shouted. He gave him a fancy robe, a special ring and sandals for his feet. And they threw a big party to celebrate! Debrief
How do you think the father felt when his son ran away? Why was the father so happy when his son finally returned? What does this story teach us about God? Prayer Time
Close your small group time by praying with your kids. This week’s prayer focus is on PLEASE PRAYERS. Ask the kids in your group, “Where in your life do you need God’s help?” Take time to pray for each of the things that were shared.
Activity
Hand out the balloon cutouts to the kids and invite them to decorate it using the materials provided. Remind them how much the father celebrated when his son finally came home!