The elder son was working in the field. When he came home, he heard music and dancing. He asked a servant, “What’s happening?”
The servant said, “Your younger brother has come home! Your father is very happy and made a big meal to celebrate.”
The elder son became angry and didn’t want to go inside. His father came out and said, “Please come in and be happy with us.”
The son said, “I have worked hard for you all these years and always obeyed you. But you never gave me anything to celebrate with my friends. Now your other son has wasted all your money, and you make a feast for him!”
The father said, “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But your brother was lost and has come back home. That’s why we must be glad and celebrate.”
*Explain the highlighted words.
Discussion questions.
- Why was the elder brother angry when he came home?
- Have you ever felt jealous when someone else was praised or celebrated? What did you do?
- The father reminded the elder son that his love and blessings were always there. What does this teach us about God’s love for everyone?