A Tale of Two Sons

Pig Food Race

Facilitators, start this lesson with an interactive game to set the stage for today’s parable. The Pig Food Race is fun, messy, and helps participants relate to the struggles of the younger son in the story of the prodigal son. This activity will engage the group and introduce them to the idea of desperation and humility. Full instructions for the game can be found here: Pig Food Race – A Prodigal Son Game.

Follow up with some questions.

• How did it feel to scramble around like that?
• Would you want to work by feeding muddy pigs?
• How would you feel about eating pig food?
• How hungry would you have to be to eat dog food or cat food?

Feeding pigs might seem like an unusual job for us, but in the time of Jesus, it was one of the lowest jobs a person could have. It was dirty, smelly, and unpleasant. People would have looked down on someone who had to do this for a living. And pig food? It’s not made for humans. Imagine being so hungry that you’d look at it and think, “Maybe I could eat that.” That’s how desperate the younger son in today’s story was.

In the gospel, we’ll hear about a young man who made some bad choices and ended up in a terrible situation. He left behind a good life, thinking he could handle things on his own. Instead, he found himself feeding pigs and wishing he could eat their food. This story shows us what can happen when we ignore God’s guidance and try to live life our own way.

But the story doesn’t stop there. Even when the young man hits rock bottom, he realizes something important: he can still go back to his father. No matter how far he has fallen, his father’s love is still there for him. This is a reminder that no matter how many mistakes we make, God’s love and mercy are always waiting for us.

Let’s keep this in mind as we hear the story of the prodigal son today. Pay attention to how the younger son’s situation changes and think about what that says about our own relationship with God.

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 – the Gospel Reading for the 4th Sunday of Lent – Year C

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable:

“A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’

So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation.

When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine.

And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any.

Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’

So he got up and went back to his father.

While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.

His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’

But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began.

Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing.

He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him.

He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders; yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughter the fattened calf.’

He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

There are two sons in this story, and each one teaches us an important lesson about how we relate to God. Let’s start with the younger son. He wants freedom. He is tired of working for his father, tired of following the rules, and just wants to live life on his own terms. So, he does something shocking. He asks his father for his inheritance early. Basically, he’s saying, “I can’t wait for you to die. Give me my share now.” It’s a rude and selfish demand, but the father agrees and gives him what he asks for.

Imagine if your parents handed you a huge amount of money, like a hundred thousand dollars, and said, “Here, it’s yours.” What would you do? The younger son thought he had it all figured out. He left home and started spending his money on anything and everything he wanted. He didn’t plan. He didn’t budget. He just kept spending until one day, it was all gone. The Bible calls him the “prodigal son” because “prodigal” means wasting money or resources recklessly. That’s exactly what he did.

Now broke and alone, the prodigal son has to face reality. He needs a job, but the only work he can find is feeding pigs. This was one of the lowest jobs anyone could have at that time, and it paid almost nothing. He was so hungry that he wished he could eat the pigs’ food. Can you imagine being that desperate? This is where he hits rock bottom. He realizes how far he has fallen and starts thinking about home. Even his father’s hired workers have it better than him.

Finally, the prodigal son decides to go back home. He’s embarrassed and ashamed, but he’s willing to admit his mistakes. He plans to ask his father for a job as a servant. But when he gets home, something incredible happens. His father sees him coming from far away and runs to meet him. Before the son can even finish his apology, his father embraces him and forgives him. Not only that, but the father throws a huge feast to celebrate his son’s return. This shows us how God reacts when we repent. He doesn’t hold grudges. He doesn’t make us pay back what we owe. He simply forgives us and welcomes us back with love.

Now let’s talk about the older son. He’s been working hard the whole time his brother was gone. He’s doing what his father asks and probably picking up the slack left by his younger brother. When he hears about the feast, he’s furious. Why should his irresponsible brother get this special treatment? He feels overlooked and unappreciated.

The older son’s attitude reveals a different problem. He is dutiful, but he doesn’t love his father in the same way. He sees his obedience as a way to earn something, like a reward. When his father celebrates the prodigal son’s return, the older son feels cheated. This can happen to us, too. If we only follow God’s commands out of a sense of duty or because we want a reward, we miss the point. Our relationship with God should be based on love, not on what we hope to get from Him.

The parable of the prodigal son warns us about two dangers in our spiritual lives. The prodigal son shows us the danger of chasing freedom without God. When we ignore God’s guidance and try to live life our own way, we will eventually stumble and suffer. The older son shows us the danger of obeying God without love. When we see obedience as a transaction, we miss out on the joy of truly loving and trusting God.

It’s not wrong to want to go to heaven, but our primary motivation should be love for God. When we love God, obedience becomes a natural response, not a duty. The father in the story loved both of his sons deeply. God loves us the same way, whether we are like the prodigal son or the older son. He invites all of us to come closer to Him and share in His joy.

Facilitators, encourage your group to share openly and listen respectfully to one another. Remind everyone that this is a safe space for honest reflection and discussion. Let participants take their time answering, and feel free to add follow-up questions if needed. The goal is to connect the lessons of the prodigal son to our own lives and deepen our understanding of God’s mercy and love.

• What do you think motivated the prodigal son to leave home and ask for his inheritance?
• Have you ever made a decision that seemed right at the time but later caused problems? How did you handle it?
• How does the father’s reaction to the prodigal son’s return show us what God’s mercy looks like?
• Why do you think the older son struggled to forgive his brother?
• Do you relate more to the younger son or the older son? Why?
• What can this parable teach us about the importance of repentance?
• How does the story challenge the way we think about forgiveness and second chances?
• Have you ever felt like the older son, doing the right thing but feeling overlooked or unappreciated? How did you deal with it?
• What does the feast represent in the story, and how does it relate to the joy of reconciliation with God?
• How can we apply the lessons of the prodigal son in our relationships with others?

This week, be aware of the traps of freedom and duty.

If you identify more with the prodigal son, think of a way which you want to be free that conflicts with God’s commands. This could be a sin you are struggling with. Maybe you like to gossip. Or you would prefer to sleep in on Sunday instead of going to Mass. Spend some time in prayer about this. Know that your heavenly Father loves you and try to let that motivate you. Go to confession if appropriate.

If you identify more with the older son, then watch for moments when you are judging others or begrudging God’s mercy for them. This could be someone you know personally. Or maybe you see someone on the news who you think God needs to punish. Instead, pray for that person and ask God to show them love and mercy, just as you have been shown love and mercy. Think of a time when God forgave you. This is also a good time to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and confess sins of judgment and pride.

Let’s take a moment to close in prayer together. First, we will offer petitions for the needs of our group and others. Think about the people in your life who need prayer right now. Maybe someone is struggling, feeling lost, or in need of forgiveness. Maybe you know someone who has been hurt and needs healing. You can also offer prayers for yourself—whatever is on your heart. After we share our petitions, we will pray the St. John Paul II Prayer for Guidance to ask for God’s help in following His will.

Take a moment to quietly reflect, then feel free to share any intentions you have. We’ll begin with, “Lord, we pray for…”

(Pause for shared petitions.)

Now let’s pray the St. John Paul II Prayer for Guidance together. As we pray, think about how this ties to the story of the prodigal son. Whether we feel like the younger son, needing to turn back to God, or like the older son, struggling with resentment, we all need God’s guidance to follow His path and trust in His mercy.

St. John Paul II Prayer for Guidance

O God, You are our Creator.
You are good and Your mercy knows no bounds.
To You arises the praise of every creature.

O God, You have given us an inner law
by which we must live.
To do Your will is our task.
To follow Your ways is to know peace of heart.
To You we offer our homage.

Guide us on all the paths we travel upon this earth.
Free us from all the evil tendencies
which lead our hearts away from Your will.
Never allow us to stray from You.

O God, judge of all humankind, help us to be
included among Your chosen ones on the last day.
O God, Author of peace and justice,
give us true joy and authentic love,
and a lasting solidarity among peoples.
Give us Your everlasting gifts.

Amen

As we go forward, remember that God is always ready to guide you and bring you back when you lose your way. Trust in His mercy, ask for His help, and know that He will lead you to His joy and peace. Thank you for sharing today, and may God bless each of you!

A printable copy of the prayer can be found here.

Themes for the Prodigal Son Lesson Plan

• God’s Mercy and Forgiveness: God is always ready to forgive us, no matter how far we stray. Like the father in the story, God welcomes us back with open arms when we repent. His mercy is endless and unconditional.
• Repentance and Conversion: The prodigal son turns back to his father after realizing his mistakes. This shows the importance of admitting when we are wrong and asking for forgiveness. Returning to God brings healing and joy.
• The Dangers of Selfishness: The prodigal son wanted freedom but only thought of himself. His selfishness caused him to lose everything and suffer greatly. Self-centered choices lead to pain and separation from God.
• God’s Unchanging Love: The father never stops loving his son, even when the son leaves. God loves us the same way, even when we sin. His love does not depend on what we do or fail to do.
• Jealousy and Resentment: The older son is jealous of his brother’s welcome and feels resentful. This shows how jealousy can damage relationships with others and with God. We must guard against bitterness and focus on love.
• Living as God’s Child: The prodigal son forgets who he is and tries to live apart from his father. This reminds us that we are God’s children and are happiest when we live in His love. Being close to God gives us purpose and joy.
• God’s Generosity: The father is generous to both sons, giving them what they need. God blesses us with more than we deserve. We should be grateful for His gifts and not compare ourselves to others.
• The Call to Humility: The prodigal son humbles himself and asks his father for forgiveness. This shows the importance of being humble before God. Pride keeps us from admitting our need for His grace.
• Obedience Rooted in Love: The older son follows his father’s commands but lacks love. Obedience to God should flow from love, not just a sense of duty. Love strengthens our relationship with Him.
• Celebrating Reconciliation: The father celebrates when his son returns, showing the joy of reconciliation. God and all of heaven rejoice when we repent and come back to Him. Reconciliation restores our relationship with God and brings peace.
• Trusting God’s Plan: Both sons struggle with trusting their father’s wisdom and love. This shows how important it is to trust God’s plan for us. Trust helps us find true happiness and avoid unnecessary suffering.

Background Material for the Prodigal Son Lesson Plan

The parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15:11-32, is a key teaching about repentance, conversion, and God’s infinite mercy. The Catechism describes this parable as illustrating the journey of conversion: “The process of conversion and repentance was described by Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son, the center of which is the merciful father” (CCC 1439). It highlights the stages of repentance, including the son’s departure, his recognition of sin, and his return to the father. These steps reflect the call for all Christians to turn away from sin and back to God.

The father’s merciful welcome shows the heart of God’s forgiveness. The Catechism says: “Only the heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father’s love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way” (CCC 1439). This reveals that God, like the father in the parable, eagerly waits to forgive us and restore us to grace. No matter how far we stray, God’s mercy is always greater than our sins. This teaching is at the heart of the sacrament of reconciliation, where we experience God’s forgiveness in a concrete way.

This parable also addresses the need for humility and the proper use of freedom. The prodigal son’s “fascination of illusory freedom” led him away from his father’s house, but it ended in misery (CCC 1439). The story warns us that true freedom comes from following God’s will, not from selfish desires. The Catechism teaches that our freedom is a gift that allows us to choose the good, but when misused, it leads to separation from God and suffering (CCC 1731-1733).

The reaction of the elder son reminds us of another spiritual danger: bitterness and self-righteousness. He obeys his father outwardly but lacks love and joy in his heart. This illustrates that following God’s commands must flow from love rather than duty or a desire for rewards. The Catechism emphasizes that “human virtues are rooted in the theological virtues” and that our actions must be motivated by love for God (CCC 1812).

Pope St. John Paul II reflected on the parable of the prodigal son in his encyclical Dives in Misericordia (“Rich in Mercy”). He tells us that it is not just that God has mercy, but that He is mercy itself. This means that God’s nature is to forgive and heal. When we return to Him, He does not hesitate to forgive us and give us new life.

In summary, the parable of the prodigal son provides a profound lesson on God’s mercy, the joy of repentance, and the call to live in loving obedience to Him. It reminds us that no sin is too great for God’s forgiveness and that He desires us to return to Him with humble and repentant hearts. As we reflect on this parable, we are called to trust in His mercy and to share that same forgiveness and love with others.

Music Suggestions for the Prodigal Son Lesson Plan

• Lead Me Home by Matt Maher
• Come as You Are by Crowder
• You Are Welcome Here by Chris Muglia
• Turn to Me by the St. Louis Jesuits

More Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections

Looking for more resources to inspire your youth group or classroom? Check out our Youth Ministry Lesson Plans and Reflections page. We offer free lesson plans, reflections, and activities to help teachers, youth ministers, and catechists engage young people in their faith. From Bible stories to practical topics, these resources are easy to use and full of ideas to help youth grow closer to God. Explore the site and find lessons that fit your group’s needs today!