Problems With Prodigals

at happens when the prodigal finally comes home… but not everyone is ready to forgive?

Problems With Prodigals takes the timeless message of Jesus’ parable and places it in a modern family living room. Dianne has returned after a long season of mistakes—poor choices, broken trust, and deep regret. She expects shame. Maybe rejection. What she finds instead is something she never imagined: grace.

This powerful three-person drama gently challenges audiences to confront self-righteousness, bitterness, and the scandalous generosity of forgiveness. It’s emotional, relatable, and ideal for churches wanting to explore the deeper layers of the prodigal story.

• Run Time: ~5 minutes
• Cast: 3 actors (Mom, Dianne, Marilyn)
• Biblical Reference: Luke 15:1–32 – The Prodigal Son
• Setting: Simple home living room or entryway
• Props: Necklace/chain and ring (representing the father’s gift)
• Lighting / Sound: Standard stage lighting; simple emotional lighting shift at ending
• Category: Modern Parable / Family Drama / Forgiveness

Sample Script

Mom and Dianne come on stage

Mom: Oh Dianne, it’s so good to have you home!

Dianne: I was real worried about coming to the house, I mean, I didn’t know if I should or if I maybe should just send a letter or . . .

Mom: Nonsense child! . . . It wasn’t your letter I was waiting for . . . I wanted to see you. Oh it’s so great to have you home my darling!

Dianne: Mom, you need to know . . . I have been in some bad places . . doing bad things and .

Mom: I know all about it Dianne. . . And I have been praying that you would turn your back on that and come home, where you belong.

Dianne: Mom! . . You don’t understand! . . . All the times I have borrowed money from you . . even stolen money. . .

Mom: Dianne! . . . I know what you’ve done, I am not blind! . . . And there has been no shortage of people around here who have been all too available to bring me news of all you were involved in. . . But listen to me child . . . You have come home, that’s all that matters!

Dianne: How can you say that what I have done doesn’t matter? . . . You and Dad didn’t raise me that way . . I let everyone down.

Mom: Dianne, before your Dad died he told me that even though you were lost you would be back, and what a celebration that would be!

Dianne, crying: How could I have done that to Dad? . . That really hurt the most you know . . knowing how Dad’s heart must have broken every time he thought of what I was doing.

Mom: There were many tears sweetheart. . . But he left a present for you . . .

Dianne: A present?

Mom picks up a chain with a ring, fastens it around Dianne’s neck

Dianne, shock: Mom! . . . That is . . Dad’s ring! . . How could he . . How could I . . Noooooo!
I don’t deserve it!
I couldn’t!

Mom: Gifts are not for deserving. . .
Gifts are for giving!
And gifts are for receiving. . ..
In love.

This isn’t my gift to you . . It is your Dad’s gift . . He wanted that you have it.

Dianne, crying: Oh Mom! . . . Oh Mom! . .

Want to see how the story unfolds? Get the complete script and bring this powerful moment to your stage.