Jesus Finds the Lost Sheep

Matthew 18:12-13 — 'What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.'

## Story Time Leader, read aloud slowly and cheerfully. This story explains the big idea in preschool language.

Once upon a time, a shepherd had one hundred fluffy sheep. He counted them every day. One day, he counted only ninety-nine. The shepherd left the rest safe in the pen and ran to find the one lost sheep. When he found it, he hugged it tight and shouted, 'Hooray! My lost sheep is home!'

## Motion and Song Leader, invite the kids to stand up and do the motions with you. If a child prefers to sit, let them watch and wiggle their fingers.

Let's pretend to be sheep! Bounce in place and say, 'Baa, baa!' Now cup your hands around your eyes like you are searching far away. Call out, 'Little sheep, where are you?' When you 'find' the sheep, clap your hands and shout, 'Yay! Found you!' Sing to the tune of 'The Farmer in the Dell': 'The shepherd finds one sheep, the shepherd finds one sheep, high-ho the derry-o, the shepherd finds one sheep!'

## A Question for You Leader, ask this yes/no question slowly. Give every child a chance to answer by nodding or saying yes/no.

Does God love every single person, even when they wander away?

Expected answer: Yes. Redirect language: If a child says no, gently say, 'Remember, the shepherd did not give up on the one lost sheep. God loves every person too. Can we say yes together?'

## Coloring Page Draw a picture of a happy shepherd hugging one little lost sheep.

## Leader Notes Delivery tone: Warm, energetic, and simple. Use an expressive voice when the shepherd shouts 'Hooray!' so the children feel the joy. Duration: 5 minutes. If a child gets restless: Invite that child to help you 'search' for a pretend sheep by walking around the circle or tapping a stuffed animal. If they need to move, let them hold the sheep while you finish the story.