In this Sunday school lesson, children will discover that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and they are His sheep. They will also learn that they can depend on Jesus to watch over them, guide them, care for them, and keep them safe.
TOPICS
Caring, Lamb, Protection, Shepherd
AS KIDS ARRIVE (10 minutes)
Marshmallow Sheep (Craft)
Have the following items on the tables for when the children arrive:
1 bag of large marshmallows
1 bag of miniature marshmallows
1 box of pretzel sticks
Have the children create sheep using only the items on the table. They can tear apart the marshmallows and break the pretzel sticks if desired. Have the children decide which sheep are the funniest and the most realistic.
While working on their projects, explain that today's lesson is about The Good Shepherd, and how a shepherd takes care of sheep. Ask the children if they have ever seen a real sheep. What was it like?
WORSHIP TIME (5 minutes)
Further info? Click here
BIBLE VERSE (7 minutes)
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:11 NIV
Talk about shepherds and sheep. Explain to the children how sheep are not very bright, and they need a shepherd to take care of them, to bring them to green grass and pure water to drink. A good shepherd makes sure the sheep are happy and safe. Have the children recite the verse several times. Then ask the following question:
1. What will a good shepherd do for his or her sheep?
2. Jesus tells us that He is our Good Shepherd. What does this mean to you?
BIBLE STORY (15 minutes)
Gather the children around you in preparation for story time. After the introduction, read the story about The Good Shepherd right from the Bible. If possible, use a Children's Bible so it will be easier for the kids to understand.
Introduction:
Today our Bible story is from the book of John. Jesus is talking about Heaven with the Pharisees and how He is the only way to get to Heaven. Jesus decided to use an example to help them understand. He compared Himself to a good shepherd and all of us to sheep. However, the Pharisees probably still didn't understand. Let's read the story, and find out what Jesus is saying to us.
Read John 10:11-15 (The Good Shepherd and His Sheep)
Discussion Questions:
1. What does a shepherd take care of? (Sheep.)
2. Does a good shepherd lay down (or give) his life for the sheep? (Yes.)
3. What do you think this means? (The good shepherd would risk his or her own life to protect the sheep.)
4. What does a hired hand do when he or she sees the wolf coming? (Runs the other way leaving the sheep behind.)
5. What happens to a flock of sheep if there is no shepherd? (They may be attacked by a wolf and get scattered.)
6. In our Bible story, does the good shepherd know his sheep? (Yes.)
7. Do the sheep know the good shepherd? (Yes.)
8. How are we like sheep? (Allow for answers.)
9. Do we have a good shepherd? (Yes.) Who is our Good Shepherd? (Jesus.)
FUN TIME (12 minutes)
The Good Shepherd and the Wolf (Game) Click here
ALTERNATE FUN TIME (10 minutes)
Who is the Lost Sheep (Activity) Click here
PRAYER/SNACK (10 minutes)
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Have treats of marshmallows and pretzel sticks. Start by thanking Jesus for being our Good Shepherd and for taking care of us. Talk about the second part of the memory verse where Jesus says, "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." What does this mean? It means that Jesus loves us so much He would willingly give up His own life so we can have eternal life with Him. How does this make you feel?
CLOSING ACTIVITY (5-10 minutes)
The Good Shepherd (Coloring Page) Click here
NEXT WEEK
Come back next week to learn more about Jesus, our wonderful Lord.
TAKE HOME PAGE
Give one copy to each child at the end of the class to take home [PDF]. Click here