For Kids: Jesus the Shepherd | Easter 4 | Year A
Opening Song: The Apostles' Creed
Big Idea: Jesus cares for us.
Story: "The Good Shepherd" | Spark Story Bible, pg. 436
Ask: How does Jesus help us when we are having a hard time?
Say: Let us watch this video and see the story another way:
Lesson Video | The Good Shepherd
(Following lesson from the Spark Lectionary lesson for today)
Ask:
True or false: sheep don’t like to be alone.
What fabric is made from shearing sheep?
Are sheep mentioned in the Old Testament or New Testament?
Is a male sheep called a lamb, a ram, or a ham?
True or false: sheep are stupid.
To what animal are sheep most closely related?
Is a sheep more likely to live seven years or seventy years?
True or false: shepherds sleep in barns.
True or false: sheep smell like roses.
True or false: a sheep is a vegetarian, or herbivore.
Which famous king tended sheep in his youth?
Is the sound a sheep makes called a bleat, a skeet, or a creek?
Whom did the angels first tell about Jesus’ birth?
True or false: sheep like to sleep on their backs.
True or false: a mother sheep usually has seven or eight baby lambs at one time.
(Guide: T, wool, both, ram, f, goats, 7, f, f, t, David, bleat, shepherds, f, f)
Say: Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” Was Jesus really a shepherd who actually tended sheep? (Allow time for kids to respond.)
Jesus’ job wasn’t actually a shepherd. But he talked about being a shepherd because he knew that the people would understand what a shepherd does to care for his flock. How might Jesus be like a shepherd? (He cares for us, his sheep. His followers are like a flock that needs a shepherd. He knows us. He protects us from danger. He laid down his life to protect us.)
So, let's now sing a song about Jesus...
Song for Kids: The Jesus Song
Activity Sheets or Play
After the song, hand out the activity sheets. Younger children are welcome to play with the Duplos (encourage them to play out a story that fits with the lesson).
End with the Lord's Prayer when the Usher comes to let you know the prayers have started.
(If you need more time)
Go around the room and ask the children to share something they are thankful for this week.
Ask them if there is anything or anyone they would like to pray for this week.