Today, we’re looking at Jesus’s parable of the lost sheep and how to bring it to life for kids.
Welcome to the “Meet an Amazing Animal” series.
God has done some remarkable things through his furry, fuzzy, and funny creations. A talking donkey? A fish carrying around a tax payment in its mouth? A rooster reminder that brought a grown man to his knees?
In this series we’re exploring how God has used animals to make himself and his purposes known. Get all twelve free lessons.
You’ll help your kids experience powerful transformation as they link Bible truths they need with the animals they love.
Let’s get started!
Bible Story: Parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3–7)
Animal: Sheep
Lesson Theme: God Loves Us
Activity: Scooting Shepherd
[icon name=”clock”] Time: about 10 minutes
[icon name=”list-alt”] Supplies: string
Define the boundaries of your “pasture” playing area by laying string on the floor.
Ask for a volunteer—that person will be the shepherd. The rest of the kids will be sheep.
Explain that the sheep have to be on all fours and can go anywhere in the pasture. The shepherd can go anywhere too but has to scoot on his or her bottom to get there.
The goal of the game is for the shepherd to tag sheep who, once touched, become shepherds themselves and join in trying to touch sheep.
SAY: Shepherd, you’ve got a problem. All your sheep are running loose. That means they can fall off cliffs or get eaten by wolves. You have to go get them so you can keep them safe … starting now!
After all the sheep have been turned into shepherds, play again—this time with the sheep having to scoot too.
After the game has ended, SAY: A good shepherd does whatever it takes to care for his or her sheep. In all sorts of weather, day or night, the shepherd is there, ready to help.
As a group, discuss:
- Who in your life is like that shepherd—always ready to help, no matter what?
- Why do you think that person cares so much?
- Who in your life is so important to you that you’d do anything to help the person?
SAY: Jesus would do whatever it takes to help you.
Let’s hear how Jesus explained His love in a story He told about a shepherd and an especially high-maintenance sheep.
Teaching Time
Share the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3–7). Use the following questions to guide discussion.
- Jesus is saying He’s a shepherd—a good one. In what ways do you think that’s true?
- In what ways have you seen Jesus love you this past week or have you not seen that?
- In this story we’re the sheep. In what ways do you think we’re like sheep?
Love this lesson? Find even more activity and teaching ideas in 13 Very Amazing Animals and How God Used Them.
