The Father's embrace
Family worship guide · theme: The Prodigal Son · ages 5–14 · 20 min
Opening
Far and near game: one person stands with their back turned at the end of the hallway; the others try to sneak closer without being seen, and anyone who is seen when that person turns around goes back to the start. Then ask: what is it like to come home after a long time away? What was the best hug you have ever received?
Reading
Explain first: prodigal means wasteful, someone who spends everything without thinking. Read in three scenes, pausing between them: the departure (vv. 11 to 16), the way back (vv. 17 to 20a) and the embrace (vv. 20b to 24). In the third scene, when you reach verse 20, the reader stops, runs to a child and gives a big hug.
11Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger son said to him, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. 14After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16He longed to fill his belly with the pods the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing. 17Finally he came to his senses and said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have plenty of food? But here I am, starving to death! 18I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.
Teaching
Jesus told this parable to religious people who complained because he welcomed sinners and ate with them (vv. 1 and 2). Asking for the inheritance while the father was still alive was a huge insult, as if the son were saying his father no longer mattered. The young man spends everything and ends up feeding pigs, rock bottom for a Jew. Then he comes to his senses and rehearses a speech: he wants to return as a hired servant.
Then comes the surprise: “while he was still in the distance, his father saw him.” The father had been watching the road. In that culture, a respected man did not run in public; the father accepts the shame and runs. He kisses his son before the speech is finished and doesn't let him be a servant: the best robe, the ring and the sandals restore his identity as a son. That is what God is like: we don't wait to deserve it before coming back. But forgiving doesn't mean pretending nothing happened or staying where there is abuse; reconciliation requires truth and safety. Another time, also read the part about the older brother (vv. 25 to 32).
Conversation
For little ones
- What did the father do when he saw his son coming back?
- What is a hug from someone who loves you like? Shall we give one now?
For kids
- The son wanted to come back as a servant. Why did the father give him new clothes, a ring and sandals?
- When you do something wrong, is it scary to tell? What does this story teach about how God welcomes us back?
For teens
- The younger son wanted freedom far from his father. What do you think he found out about freedom in the distant country?
- What is harder for you: believing that God forgives you, or forgiving someone who hurt you? Why?
For adults
- How are the people in my home received when they make mistakes: with a ready-made lecture, or with a hug that is followed by a conversation?
- Is there someone in the family who is far away, by choice or because of hurt? What safe and wise step can I take toward that person, respecting the necessary boundaries?
Activity
Child's ring: each person cuts out a paper ring or heart and writes (or an adult writes) I am a beloved son or I am a beloved daughter. Stick them all on the front door of the house, the place for those who arrive and those who come back. Anyone who is far away can receive a photo of the door with a loving message.
Prayer
Father in heaven, thank you for seeing us even while we are still far away and for running to embrace us. Forgive us for [each person says something out loud or in silence]. Help us welcome one another as you welcome us, with truth and with tenderness. We remember those who are far from home: [names]. Amen.
Blessing
2 Corinthians 13:14
During the week
Hug-before-the-talk week: when someone makes a mistake, they first get a hug (if they want one), and only then comes the conversation. Moms and dads also ask their children for forgiveness when they get it wrong. At the end of the week, throw a simple party, with popcorn or a cake, to celebrate that we are a family of forgiven people.