The Shepherd Finds His Lost Sheep

## Question 1: Why did the shepherd leave the ninety-nine 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.

Leader Note: Help kids see that the shepherd cared about the one missing sheep just as much as the whole flock. If a child says something like, 'The sheep was his favorite,' gently redirect: 'The story tells us the shepherd cared about every single sheep. He did not want even one to be lost. Why do you think every sheep mattered to him?'

Expected answers: Because the lost sheep was important to him. / He did not want any sheep to be alone or hurt. / He loved every single one.

Time: 3 minutes

## Question 2: How does God feel when one person turns back to Him? > Matthew 18:14 — So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Leader Note: Keep this simple. The sermon said God rejoices over one sinner who repents. If a child talks about feeling sad when they get in trouble, redirect: 'It makes God very happy when we turn back to Him. Rejoicing means being super happy!'

Expected answers: God is super happy. / He rejoices and celebrates. / He is glad that person is back.

Time: 3 minutes

## Question 3: How should we treat other people who believe in Jesus? > Matthew 18:10 — See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

Leader Note: The sermon warned us not to despise or look down on ordinary believers. If a child starts talking about angels looking like babies with wings, redirect: 'The sermon told us angels are strong servants God sends to watch over His people. The big point is that God sees how we treat others. How can we show kindness to other kids at church?'

Expected answers: Be kind. / Do not be mean or look down on them. / Treat them the way Jesus wants. / Help them and encourage them.

Time: 3 minutes

## Activity: Find the Lost Sheep Hide one paper sheep somewhere in the room before kids arrive. Tell the children one sheep is lost and they need to find it. When they find it, lead everyone in a big cheer and clap to show how happy the shepherd — and God — feels.

Leader Note: This should be loud and fun. If kids argue over who found it first, redirect: 'The shepherd was happy the sheep was found, not worried about who found it. Let's all celebrate together!'

Time: 5 minutes