Free printable Bible coloring page

The Father Divides the Property

Luke 15:11-32

The Big Idea

God welcomes honest repentance, and Jesus teaches us to respond to returning people with compassion rather than resentment.

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The Bible Story

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

In Luke 15:11–12, Jesus begins a parable about a father and his two sons. The younger son asks for his portion of the family property, and the father divides his property between the younger and older sons. The passage does not explain why the younger son makes this request or describe how the division is carried out. This moment begins a story about repentance and return, forgiveness and welcome, compassion, restoration, and joy when the lost is found. The sons are characters in a parable, not named historical individuals. The father’s generous love becomes especially clear later, when the younger son returns and the father welcomes him. The older son’s response also becomes important as the father explains why celebration is fitting. This first scene simply establishes the family and the younger son’s request, without adding motives or details that Luke does not provide.

Bible moment

The Bible moment

In Luke 15:11–12, Jesus begins a parable about a father and his two sons. The younger son asks for his portion of the family property, and the father divides his property between the younger and older sons. The passage does not explain why the younger son makes this request or describe how the division is carried out. This moment begins a story about repentance and return, forgiveness and welcome, compassion, restoration, and joy when the lost is found. The sons are characters in a parable, not named historical individuals. The father’s generous love becomes especially clear later, when the younger son returns and the father welcomes him. The older son’s response also becomes important as the father explains why celebration is fitting. This first scene simply establishes the family and the younger son’s request, without adding motives or details that Luke does not provide.

Look closely

What children can notice

The younger son asks his father for his share of the family property, and the father divides his property between the younger and older sons.

Talk together

Talk about it

  • What did the younger son ask his father for?
  • What can this beginning teach us about listening carefully before judging others?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Read Luke 15:11–12 first, then explain only this opening beat. Invite children to notice who is present and what the father does. Avoid guessing the younger son’s motives or describing a legal process. Connect the scene to later themes of repentance, welcome, and restoration without revealing an outcome for the older son.

Source note

From this passage

Luke 15:11-12 · The Lost Son

The younger son asks his father for his share of the family property, and the father divides his property between the younger and older sons.

Continue the Story

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

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