Lesson Learned: Jesus is our sheepherder.
Materials Needed: paper plate, black construction paper, scissors, cotton balls, glue
Bible Verse:
John 10:11-18
11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”
Talking Points: A shepherd is someone who watches over sheep. A large group of sheep is called a “flock”. Jesus is the shepherd who watches over God’s flock, or those that believe in Him. When a shepherd calls to a real sheep, a sheep actually recognizes his shepherd’s voice and responds to him. He doesn’t recognize a stranger’s voice and doesn’t come to him. Jesus is our Shepard; He takes care of us and protects us. He calls our name and wants us to recognize and respond to His calling. Jesus was willing to give up everything in order to save us and be a good shepherd.
Questions: Who is in God’s flock? Who is their shepherd? What does a shepherd do?
Activity:
Make a sheep’s face.
Cover the paper plate with cotton balls using glue. Cut out circles out of the black construction paper for eyes. Glue them on like eyes.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for all You’ve done for us. You gave up everything to bring us to You as a might and good Shepherd. We can never repay You, but we long to live our lives for You! Amen!