The Shepherd Who Searches for Us

Opening Scripture

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. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

— Matthew 18:12-14

Question 1: What does the shepherd do when one sheep wanders away?

Time estimate: 3 minutes

Expected answers: - He goes looking for it - He leaves the other sheep to find the lost one - He searches until he finds it

Follow-up: 'And how does the shepherd feel when he finds the lost sheep?' (Answer: He's really happy! He rejoices!)

If off-topic: If kids talk about other animals or stories, gently redirect: 'Those are interesting thoughts! But in Jesus' story, what does the shepherd do about the one lost sheep?'

Question 2: Who does the shepherd represent in this story?

Time estimate: 3 minutes

Expected answers: - God - Jesus - The Good Shepherd

Context for leader: The sermon emphasized that God cares for each individual believer, even those who seem small or unimportant. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks us when we wander into sin.

Follow-up: 'Why do you think Jesus told this story?' (Answer: To show us that God cares about every single person, even when they make mistakes or wander away)

If off-topic: If kids suggest other people (like pastors or parents), affirm partially: 'Parents and church leaders do care for us, but in this parable Jesus is showing us what God is like!'

Question 3: What does it mean when the sermon said believers can 'go astray' like the sheep?

Time estimate: 4 minutes

Expected answers: - We sin or make bad choices - We wander away from God - We stop following Jesus - We get distracted and go the wrong way

Context for leader: The sermon explained that 'going astray' means wandering into sin or being deceived. The 'little ones' Jesus talks about are believers with childlike faith — not actual children, but followers of Jesus who need care and patience.

Follow-up: 'What's the good news about when we wander away?' (Answer: God comes looking for us! He doesn't give up on us!)

If off-topic: If kids focus only on being physically lost, expand: 'Yes, getting lost is scary! But Jesus is also talking about when we make wrong choices or forget to follow Him. What does the shepherd do then?'

Activity: Draw Your Own Shepherd Story

Time estimate: 5-7 minutes

Instructions for kids: 'Draw a picture showing the shepherd finding his lost sheep. Make sure to show how happy the shepherd is! You can add mountains, the other sheep, or anything else from the story.'

While they draw, ask: - 'How do you think the lost sheep felt when the shepherd found it?' - 'Have you ever felt lost or like you made a mistake? How does it feel to know God searches for you?'

Wrap-up point: 'Just like this shepherd, God loves each one of you so much that He would search everywhere to bring you back when you wander. You are precious to Him — not just all together as a group, but each one of you individually!'

Closing Prayer Prompt

'Let's thank God for being our Good Shepherd who never gives up on us.'

Sample prayer: 'Dear God, thank You for loving each one of us so much. Thank You for searching for us when we wander away and for never giving up on us. Help us to follow You closely. In Jesus' name, Amen.'