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Year 1 - Religious education

The Parable of the Lost Son: hidden meanings

Stories: how do different people find deeper meanings?

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will explore the idea that stories in religious and non-religious traditions often have a deeper meaning beyond the simple narrative. They will examine stories from Christianity, Islam and Humanism and act as interpreters to find these hidden meanings.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the deeper meanings of the Parable of the Lost Son.

Key Notes

  • For many Christians, the Parable of the Lost Son teaches them about what God is like.
  • Many Christians interpret the parable as meaning that God welcomes everyone back, even when they have made mistakes.
  • The parable also mentions an older brother who was envious of his younger brother.
  • We can look for the hidden meanings in the Parable of the Lost Son so we can better understand Christian worldviews.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • father: another word for 'dad'; Christians often speak of God as a 'father'
  • equal: treating everyone the same
  • envious: to feel cross with someone because they have something that you don't

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The only point of the parable is welcoming home the lost son.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

For many Christians, the Parable of the Lost Son teaches them about what God is like. Many Christians interpret the parable as meaning that God welcomes everyone back, even when they have made mistakes.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'father'

another word for 'dad'; Christians often speak of God as a 'father'.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: The only point of the parable is welcoming home the lost son. Correction: The parable is about the father's love and forgiveness for both his sons.

More Lessons In This Unit

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