The Prodigal Returns

The Prodigal Returns is a lighthearted yet meaningful adaptation of the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The story follows a prodigal, who, after wasting their wealth, returns home and prepares for a celebratory feast with the help of a butler. As the butler assists in shedding the prodigal’s past burdens—symbolized by ragged belongings— the story humorously highlights the deeper spiritual lesson of letting go of worldly attachments and embracing the grace and blessings of the Father. In a comical twist, the father, also dressed as a clown, warmly welcomes the prodigal back home with excitement and joy.

Biblical Reference

• Luke 15:11-32 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Cast

• Prodigal (Male or Female) – A wandering soul returning home, dressed as a clown.
• Maid/Butler – A formal yet patient helper who assists the prodigal in preparing for the feast.
• Father – The loving and joyful parent who embraces the prodigal’s return, also dressed as a clown.
• Voice Over/Pastor – Provides the introduction and narration

Run Time

Approximately 15 minutes

Scene Opens

(Voice Over or Pastor introducing the sermon)

Voice Over: The prodigal daughter prepares for the feast.

(Prodigal and Butler enter the set.)

Butler: Ma’am, I am here to help prepare you for the celebration this evening.

Prodigal: Ohh, I’m prepared—I’ve been hungry for weeks.

Butler: I’m sure you have, Ma’am. What I meant was... (pauses to think) your appearance.

(Prodigal shoots him a nasty look, and he hesitates.)

Butler: Your appearance would be fine for many situations, such as slopping pigs, but tonight we want to put our best foot forward.

Prodigal: (Moves shoe forward.) Are you making fun of my feet?

Butler: Not at all, Ma’am. Let’s start with that bucket. (Wrinkles nose.) What may I ask is in there?

Prodigal: It’s an extra bucket of pig slop... in case I get real hungry.

Butler: Ma’am, there will be plenty of food, but I will need to take that.

(The Butler reaches toward the bucket. Prodigal pulls away—the two go back and forth until, with a big pouty look, the Prodigal finally lets go of the bucket. The Butler takes it and sets it a few feet away.)

Prodigal: (Points and yells excitedly.) Oh no! There’s someone drinking tea from a coffee cup!!

(The Butler gasps and looks. The Prodigal smiles mischievously and grabs the bucket while the Butler’s back is turned. When the Butler looks back, he grimaces.)

Butler: (Points at the floor.) Look—a dime!

(The Prodigal quickly sets down the bucket, drops to her knees, and picks up the dime. She pulls out a ragged coin purse and puts it inside. Meanwhile, the Butler seizes the moment to grab the bucket and hide it offstage. When he returns, both are now looking at the coin purse.)

Butler: What is that?

Prodigal: It’s my coin purse—it holds all my money.

Butler: And how much would that be?

Prodigal: A dime.

(The Butler holds out one hand and taps it with the other, signaling for her to hand it over.)

Prodigal: But I might need this to buy something.

Butler: Like what, Ma’am?

Prodigal: Uh… uh… uh… I could buy a piece of gum!

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