Jesus Loves His Lost Sheep
Children's church (3-6) · leader guide · Anchor: Matthew 18:12-14· preview
From the sermon Ecclesiastical Authority
Leader Notes
Duration: 5 minutes
Tone: Warm, gentle, and reassuring. Use a soft storytelling voice. If a child gets restless, invite them to help you make sheep sounds or gently redirect: 'Let's listen to see what happens to the lost sheep!'
Main Idea: Jesus loves us so much that He looks for us when we wander away.
Anchor 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
Story Time: The Lost Sheep
Read aloud slowly:
Once there was a shepherd who loved his sheep very much. He had 100 sheep! One day, one little sheep wandered away and got lost. The shepherd left the other 99 sheep safe on the mountain and went to look for the one lost sheep. When he found the little sheep, he was SO happy! He picked it up and carried it home. Jesus told this story to show us that He loves us like that shepherd loves his sheep — He never wants us to be lost!
Motion Activity
Say to the children:
'Let's pretend we are the lost sheep! When I say GO, wander around the room like a little lost sheep. When I say FOUND, run back to me for a big hug because Jesus found you!'
Leader note: Do this 2-3 times. Celebrate with clapping and cheering when they return. Reinforce: 'Jesus is so happy when He finds us!'
Simple Question
Ask:
'Does Jesus love you even when you wander away?'
Expected answer: Yes!
Leader note: If a child says 'no' or seems unsure, gently affirm: 'Yes! Jesus always loves you. He will always come looking for you because you are so special to Him.'
Coloring Page
Say to the children:
'Now let's draw a picture of the shepherd carrying the lost sheep home. You can draw the sheep, the shepherd, and maybe some mountains or a big sun!'
Leader note: Provide crayons and blank paper. As they color, walk around and say things like, 'Jesus is like that shepherd — He loves you so much!' Keep the atmosphere light and joyful.