Lent 2004 - Cycle C - Revised Common Lectionary
February 29 through April 4, 2004

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy: Come let us adore him. (Antiphon for Lent, Book of Common Prayer, page 81) And what if, during this season of Lent, we sought a deeper understanding of this amazing gospel of grace. Will that image of grace energize us to do the spiritual housekeeping we need to be ready for the "new thing" God is doing in Easter?

Tax collectors as sinners invited to the table? Shocking! So Jesus tells them a story: A son who blows an inheritance, a father who forgives before the son even has a chance to ask. What might we discover about the gospel of grace?

Before Class. After reading this scripture, to make it easier for the children to act out this story, a few props would be helpful. A robe (which could be a pretty blanket, a bright coat - whatever you have on hand) a costume jewelry ring, the fancier the better, a pair of slippers -- not a problem if they are a bit on the large side, and either a stack of Monopoly money, or a large handful of coins. This is a long piece of Scripture, so it would be helpful if you could download a copy (one site is www.devotions.net/bible/00bible.htm) and highlight the parts: narrator, Pharisee, younger son, Father, slave, older son. You will also need the container with the bags used in class from prior weeks, and fresh paper and pencils as well as tape.

Beginning. Tell the children you are going to be asking for a skit after the reading of this Scripture, so they can be thinking who should play each part.

Opening Prayer. Dear God, thank you for this story Jesus told us that gives us yet another picture of your awesome love. Amen.

The Scripture. Luke 15: 1-3, 11b - 32. Ask for volunteers to read the different parts we will need: The narrator, the Pharisees, the younger son, the Father, a slave, the older son.

Some Questions.
Ask the children what they noticed about this story: what seemed odd? Any surprises? Who, do you think was surprised in the story?
Ask for a volunteer to describe what happened to the younger son? What did he decide to do about it?
Ask for a volunteer to describe the Father's response. (verse 20b and 22b)
Then ask for a volunteer to describe the older son's reaction. (verse 29-30).

Activity. Offer the props you have assembled and ask the children to produce a skit on this story. Tell them it is perfectly OK to set the entire skit in our town, today. Enjoy the skit!

Getting Closure. Bring out the container so each child can retrieve his or her sack. Make paper and pencils available and ask the children what they noticed in this story about the Father's forgiveness. Who do they think Jesus was describing with "the Father?" Ask them to think about how God would react to "dumb stuff" we do. Allow time for the children to make whatever notes they want and then seal their bags and the container with the tape.

Closing Prayer. Thank you, God, for this story that helps us see how eager you are to forgive us when we come to you. Amen.