Theme: On the farm

Bible Story: The good shepherd

Value: Trust in God’s protection

The good shepherd

When Jesus, the Son of God, was on earth, He told stories to help people understand important things. Once, He told a story about a shepherd who loved and cared for his 100 sheep. Every day the shepherd would make sure that they had enough food and water, and safe shelter at night.

One morning the shepherd was counting his sheep … 1… 2 … 3 … all the way to 98 … 99 … but oh, no! One sheep was missing! Where was the sheep?

The shepherd was worried. He loved all of his sheep and he knew he had to find the lost sheep. So he left his 99 other sheep behind to go search for the lost one.

The little sheep had wandered away from the others and felt scared, but the shepherd kept searching. When he finally found the lost sheep behind some bushes, he was so happy! He hugged the little sheep and said, “I love you so much. I’m glad I found you!” He picked the sheep up and carried it on his shoulders all the way home.

Jesus told this story to help us understand that God is like a shepherd who loves and cares for each one of us. We are all special to God.

(Matthew 18:10-14)

 

  1. Opening

Can you name some farm animals? What sounds do they make?

Today we will learn about a little sheep that went missing. Let’s read the Bible story.

 

  1. Discovery

Can you remember the story that you heard yesterday?

Yes, we talked about the little sheep that was lost. Let’s read the Bible story again.

What is your favourite part of the story?

How many sheep do you see in the picture?

 

  1. Retell

Can you tell me what happened in our story yesterday? (Ask leading questions and guide the child using the picture and story.)

What did the shepherd do when he saw the sheep was gone?

Why do you think he did that?

How do you think the little sheep felt when he was lost?

When do you feel that way?

 

  1. Value

This week we’ve been talking about how the shepherd left his 99 sheep to go and find one lost little sheep. God loves you and will always be there for you. When you feel sad or afraid, you can trust that God is always looking out for you. He wants to help and protect you. All you have to do is ask!

How can God help you today? Let’s pray and ask Him to help you.

 

  1. Activity

In our story this week we learned that, just like the shepherd, God loves each one of us so much that He would do anything to help us. We can always trust in Him. Now, let’s pretend we are the shepherd who is searching for the lost little sheep.

(Before the lesson, hide a stuffed toy somewhere in the class. Have the children look for it. Use words like “hotter” when they are getting close or “colder” when they are further away. The child who finds the toy gets a chance to hide it, while the others close their eyes.)