Seeking the Lost Sheep

## Introduction (2 min) Welcome kids! Today we learned about how much God cares for each and every one of His people—even the ones who wander away. Let's explore what that means for us.

'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. 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.' — Matthew 18:10-13

## Question 1: Why would a shepherd leave ninety-nine sheep to find just one? (3 min) Expected answer: The shepherd values that one lost sheep so much that he will go searching until he finds it. He cares about each single sheep, not just the big group.

Leader theological framing: This parable reveals God's particular, personal love for individual believers. The shepherd's action is economically irrational (risking ninety-nine for one) but theologically profound—God's love is not merely general but specific and pursuing. The sermon emphasized that God 'values each individual believer so highly' and this parable illustrates that value.

Redirect if needed: If a child says 'the shepherd wanted all his sheep,' ask 'Why would he risk so many for just one? What does that tell us about how he sees that one sheep?'

Application prompt: Think of a time you felt left out or lost. How does knowing God would come looking for YOU specifically change how you feel?

## Question 2: What does it mean when Jesus says 'their angels always see the face of My Father'? (4 min) Expected answer: It means angels are messengers who are always near God, and they watch over God's people. God has assigned them to take care of believers, and they have direct access to God.

Leader theological framing: The sermon drew from Hebrews 1:13-14 to show that angels are 'ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.' The preacher emphasized that angels are not cute decorations but powerful servants who do God's bidding. The key point for children: God cares so much about His people that He assigns guardians who have God's own attention.

Redirect if needed: If children focus on angels being 'cool,' redirect to the main point: 'Why does God assign angels to people? What does that show about how God feels about us?'

Application prompt: How does knowing God watches over you through His angels affect how you feel when you're scared or alone?

## Question 3: Why does Jesus warn us not to 'despise one of these little ones'? (3 min) Expected answer: Because God values even the people who seem small or unimportant. Treating them badly makes God angry because He loves them so much.

Leader theological framing: The sermon connected this to the context of Matthew 18:1-5, where the disciples asked who is greatest. Jesus overturns human status-seeking by identifying with 'the least.' The preacher quoted John Piper: 'Put your hand over your critical despising mouth and show great esteem for all ordinary childlike disciples.' Despising means looking down on, mistreating, or thinking someone doesn't matter.

Redirect if needed: If children don't understand 'despise,' explain it means to look down on someone or treat them as worthless. Ask: 'How might kids at school treat someone as if they don't matter?'

Application prompt: Name one person at school who might feel like 'one of the least.' What is one way you could show them God's love this week?

## Question 4: The sermon mentioned Luke 15:10—angels rejoicing when one sinner repents. What is repentance, and why does it make heaven rejoice? (4 min) Expected answer: Repentance means turning away from sin and turning back to God. Heaven rejoices because when someone repents, they are coming back to God like the lost sheep coming back to the shepherd. It's like being found when you were lost!

Cross-reference: > 'Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.' — Luke 15:10

Leader theological framing: The preacher emphasized that repentance is 'the other side of the same coin of faith' and is part of 'the normal Christian life.' For children, frame repentance as the ongoing turning from sin to God, not merely a one-time event. The joy motif—shared by the Father, Son, Spirit, and angels—shows the communal celebration that accompanies restoration. The preacher explicitly extended this to 'repentance in general,' not only initial conversion.

Redirect if needed: If a child thinks repentance is only for becoming a Christian, clarify: 'The preacher said Christians keep repenting too—turning from sin every day. When we say sorry to God and turn back to Him, heaven celebrates!'

Application prompt: Is there something you need to turn away from and tell God sorry for today? Remember, He rejoices when we come back to Him!

## Question 5: The lost sheep 'went astray'—what does that mean, and what should we do if we wander from God? (3 min) Expected answer: 'Went astray' means the sheep wandered away from where it was supposed to be. If we wander from God, we should remember He is seeking us, and we should turn back to Him in repentance. He will welcome us with joy!

Leader theological framing: The sermon's big idea states that God 'seeks and rejoices over the restoration of even one who wanders into sin.' The initiative is God's—He seeks; our response is to allow ourselves to be found. The preacher noted that God's will is 'not that one of these little ones should perish' (Matt. 18:14). This assurance should encourage children who struggle with sin and failure.

Redirect if needed: If a child expresses fear about wandering, emphasize the shepherd's active pursuit: 'Who moves first—the sheep or the shepherd? What does that tell us about God's heart?'

Application prompt: Close by praying together that each child would know God's pursuing love and have courage to turn back to Him when they stray.