Stories With a Purpose
Library

A parable of Jesus · Part 3 of 20 · 3 min

A Father Waiting for a Hug

A story about forgiveness, love, and reconciliation

Jesus told a story about a father with two sons. One day the younger son asked for his share of the family's property.

The father gave it to him. The son went to a faraway country and spent his money carelessly. At first, he thought everything would be easy.

The young man spent his money eating and drinking with friends.
The young man spent his money eating and drinking with friends.

But his money ran out. Then there was a terrible shortage of food.

The young man emptied his purse and discovered he had no money left.
The young man emptied his purse and discovered he had no money left.
The young man walked alone along a dusty road and saw a farm in the distance.
The young man walked alone along a dusty road and saw a farm in the distance.

The young man found work caring for pigs. He was so hungry that he wished he could eat their food. No one gave him what he needed.

A young man tends pigs and sadly remembers his father's house.
The hungry son remembered home.

He stopped to think. Even the workers at his father's house had enough bread.

He would go home, admit what he had done, and ask to work there. He no longer expected to be welcomed as a son.

He began the long walk home.

The son remembered his father and left the farm to go home.
The son remembered his father and left the farm to go home.

His father saw him while he was still far away.

He ran to him and hugged him.

The son began to ask forgiveness.

But his father called for clothes, a ring, and sandals. They would have a feast!

“My son has come home! He was lost, and now he is found!”

An elderly father joyfully embraces his returning son.
The father welcomed his son with a hug.

The older brother was angry when he heard the celebration. He had always worked beside his father.

The father went out to speak with him too. He loved him and wanted him to share the joy.

The father and his son celebrated with friends and workers.
The father and his son celebrated with friends and workers.

Jesus showed how God welcomes us when we turn back to him. We can admit our mistakes, ask forgiveness, and learn a better way.

When someone else gets a fresh start, we can rejoice. Our Father's love is enough for all his children.

Jesus tells us a story, and his love stays with us.

Retelling of Luke 15:11–32.

Supporting reading: Christ's Object Lessons, chapter 16. Open the English book

Talk about it together

  • Forgiveness
  • Love
  • Reconciliation

A verse to remember

“As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

Psalm 103:12NKJV

  1. What did the father do when he saw his son returning from far away?
  2. Why did the older brother feel angry when he heard the celebration?
  3. How can you admit a mistake and find a way to put it right?

Activity · 2–5 minutes

A Fresh Start

Imagine a small mistake, such as forgetting to put a game away. Practice saying what happened, asking forgiveness, and offering an action to put it right. Listen to how the other person felt, without demanding their feelings change immediately.

Try it today: I can admit a mistake and accept help to make a fresh start.

More stories with these values

Crossword

Open the interactive activity or prepare a printable sheet for home, classroom, or family.

Open activity →