God Goes After the One
Older children (9-12) · member guide · Anchor: Matthew 18:10-14
From the sermon Seeking the Lost Sheep
The Lost Sheep
'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 18:12-13
Have you ever felt like the one sheep that wandered off? When you mess up or feel far from God, how does it help to know that He comes looking for you?
A Party in Heaven
'There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.' — Luke 15:10
Why do you think God and all of heaven get so happy when one person says sorry and turns back to Him? How can that encourage you the next time you need to say sorry?
Little Ones Matter
'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.' — Matthew 18:10
Have you ever felt looked down on because you are young? How does knowing that God gives His angels to watch over you—and that they have direct access to the Father—change how you see your own worth?
The Shepherd's Joy
'So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.' — Matthew 18:14
If God does not want any of His kids to be lost, how should His deep care for every single person change the way you treat classmates or neighbors who seem left out?
What Needs to Turn Around?
If following Jesus means turning from sin and turning to Him again and again, what is one thing in your life right now—a bad habit, a mean attitude, or something else—that you need Jesus' help to turn away from? What is one small step you can take this week to turn back toward Him?