LESSON 16: Our Loving Father

(Luke 15:11–32)

Who loves us the most in the whole world? Yes — our parents! They take care of us, forgive us when we make mistakes, and share everything they have with us. But do you know someone who loves us even more than our parents?
God, our Heavenly Father, loves us more than anyone!

Jesus told a beautiful story to help us understand God’s amazing love, also known as The Parable of the Prodigal Son.

A long time ago, there was a rich man who had two sons. The older son worked hard on the farm. But the younger son wanted to leave home. He asked his father for his share of the property. The kind father gave it to him without arguing.

The younger son took the money, went far away, and wasted it all on fun and bad choices. Soon, he had nothing left. A famine came, and he was very hungry and poor. He worked for a farmer, feeding pigs, and was so hungry that he wanted to eat the pigs’ food!

One day, he remembered his father and felt sorry for what he had done. He said to himself,

“I will go back to my father and say, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and you. I’m not worthy to be your son. Please let me be one of your servants.’”

This is called repentance—when we are truly sorry and want to change.

When the father saw his son coming home from far away, he ran to him! He was so happy! He hugged him, kissed him, and welcomed him back.

The father told his servants:

“Give him new clothes, sandals, and a ring! Let’s have a big feast. My son was lost, but now he’s found!”

The father didn’t punish his son. He forgave him and celebrated! That’s how much he loved him.

This story shows us that:

• God is like the loving father.
• Even when we make mistakes or sin, God waits for us to come back to Him.
• If we are truly sorry and return to God, He will forgive us with love and joy.
• The Cross reminds us of God’s love. Jesus died on the cross to save us from sin because the Father loves us that much.

This parable was told by Jesus to show us how God the Father loves and forgives us, no matter how far we’ve gone, if we come back to Him with a repentant heart.