Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Loves His Children • Lesson...

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Loves His Children • Lesson 13

Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him.

Bible Verse“The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1a).

Growing Closer to JesusChildren will n tell Whiskers the story of the lost sheep, n follow a shepherd and look for sheep, n sing a song about following Jesus, and n name ways that they can follow Jesus this week.

Teacher EnrichmentBible Basisn Jesus, the good shepherd, loves his children.

In the passage prior to today’s Matthew passage (Matthew 18:1-9), Jesus’ disciples were asking him about who would be greatest in his coming kingdom. Jesus’ response was to call a little child into their midst and declare that people must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. And he points out that humility is the key.

In addition, Jesus points out the importance of little children—the penalty for leading one astray would be worse than being thrown into the sea with a huge stone tied around your neck! From this passage, it’s apparent that Jesus loves little children in a special way.

Do children actually have guardian angels to watch over them as today’s passage seems to suggest? We’re not sure if that’s the meaning of this passage, but God may indeed send angels to protect certain people, including children and, perhaps, new believers. The point Jesus was making in this passage is that everyone matters to God, even the little children, who are sometimes overlooked by adults. God wants everyone to come to him. He doesn’t want any of his sheep to spend eternity apart from him!

Prayer• Read Psalm 34:7.• What is the requirement in this verse for a person to have the “angel of the

Lord” watching over him or her?• What does it mean to fear God in an appropriate way?• Pray: Dear God, help me to keep a proper respect for you as I trust in you.

Forgive me for the times I’ve…

Bible Point

Psalm 23; Matthew 18:10-14

181Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4

This Lesson at a GlanceWhat Children Will Do Classroom Supplies Learning Lab Supplies

WelcomeTime

Welcome!—Receive name tags, and be greeted by the teacher.

“Sheep Name Tags,” (p. 153), scissors, marker, safety pins or tape

Let’s GetStarted

Direct children to one or more of the

optional activities until everyone

arrives.

Option 1: Line Leaders—Hold a shiny garland, and follow a leader around the room.

Scissors

Option 2: Sheep Sorting—Play with fiberfill sheep, and line them up to follow a shepherd.

Fiberfill stuffing

Option 3: Sheep-Shape Lacing—Lace yarn through sheep lacing cards.

“Sheep Lacing Card” handout (p. 191), card stock, hole punch, glue, scissors, colored yarn or shoelaces

Pick-Up Time—Sing a song as they pick up toys and gather for Bible Story Time.

CD player

Bible Story Time

Setting the Stage—Play and sing “The Shepherd Takes His Sheep.”

Stop-and-go sign from Lesson 1

Bible Song and Prayer Time—Sing a song, bring out the Bible, and pray together.

Bible, CD player

Hear and Tell the Bible Story—Tell Whiskers about the lost sheep in Matthew 18:10-14.

Bible

Do the Bible Story—Follow a shepherd to find lost sheep.

Stop-and-go sign from Lesson 1

Closing Follow the Son—Help Whiskers understand that following Jesus is similar to his shadow “following” him.

CD player

I’ll Follow Jesus!—Pray, and tell Jesus we want to follow him.

CD player

Dress Up & Drama

Before the Lessonn Collect the necessary items for the activities you plan to use, referring to the Classroom Supplies and Learning Lab

Supplies listed on the chart.n Make photocopies of the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) to send home with your children.n Pray for the children in your class and for God’s direction as you teach the lesson.

*See the end of this lesson for extra-time ideas and supplies.

Hands-On Bible Curriculum—Preschool, Ages 3 & 4182

Lesson 13

Welcome TimeSuppLieS: “Sheep Name Tags” (p. 153), scissors, marker, safety pins or tape• Bend down and make eye contact with children as they arrive.• Greet each child individually with an enthusiastic smile.• Thank each child for coming to class today.• As children arrive, ask them how they practiced what they learned last week. Use

questions such as “What are some things you need?” and “What can you do when you need something?”

• Say: Today we’re going to learn that Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him.

• Hand out the sheep name tags children made in Lesson 10. Help children attach the name tags to their clothing. If some name tags were damaged or if children weren’t in class that week, have them make sheep name tags using the photocopiable handout.

• Direct children to the Let’s Get Started activities you’ve set up.

Let’s Get StartedSet up one or more of the following activities for children to do as they arrive. After

you greet each child, invite him or her to choose an activity.Circulate between the activities to offer help as needed and direct children’s

conversation toward the point of today’s lesson. Ask questions such as “Do you have a friend that you like to follow? Tell me about that friend” or “Do you have a younger brother or sister who follows you? Why do you think they do that?”

n Option 1: Line LeadersSuppLieS: scissors

Cut the garland in half, form two groups, and give each group a garland. Have group members form a line, holding on to the garland. Then choose a volunteer to lead each group around the room. Encourage leaders to lead their lines in circles, zigzag patterns, or figure

eights. After a few seconds, choose two new leaders. As children play, point out that just as they followed the leaders Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him.

n Option 2: Sheep SortingSuppLieS: fiberfill stuffing

Set out a bag of fiberfill, and let each child pull out several clumps to use as sheep. Have children arrange the “sheep” by size—smallest to largest, and then largest to smallest. Next have children arrange the sheep in groups of two, three, four, and five. Then have children place the sheep in a line. Have children walk the sheep around the edge of the table. Talk about how sheep follow their shepherd. Remind them that Jesus is our good shepherd and that Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him.

It’s important to say the Bible Point just as it’s written in each activity. Repeating the Bible Point again and again will help children remember it and apply it to their lives.


Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Loves His Children

n Option 3: Sheep-Shape LacingSuppLieS: “Sheep Lacing Card” handout (p. 191), card stock, glue, scissors, hole punch, colored yarn or shoelaces

Before class, photocopy the “Sheep Lacing Card” handout. Glue each copy onto stiff paper such as poster board or card stock. Cut out the sheep shapes, and punch out the holes around the edges of each one.

Set out colored yarn or shoelaces. Give children sheep lacing cards, and show them how to lace around the sheep.

As children work, remind them that Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him just as sheep follow their shepherd.

When everyone has arrived and you’re ready to move on to Bible Story Time, encourage the children to finish what they’re doing and get ready to clean up.

n pick-up TimeSuppLieS: CD player

Lead children in singing “Come Along With Me” (track 2) with the CD to the tune of “Come and Go With Me.” Encourage children to sing along as they help clean up the room.

Come along with me and pick up all our things,Pick up all our things,Pick up all our things.Come along with me and pick up all our thingsSo our room will be clean.(Repeat 2x.)

Bible Story Timen Setting the StageSuppLieS: stop-and-go sign (from Lesson 1)

Tell the children you’ll hold up the stop-and-go sign to get their attention. Explain that when you show the red side, the children are to stop what they’re doing and listen for your directions. When you show the green side, you’ll stop talking and listen to them. Encourage children to respond quickly so you’ll have time for all the fun activities you’ve planned.

Ask: • What did you make or do when you came to class today? (Followed a leader; played with sheep; practiced sewing.)

Say: Some of you lined up sheep, some of you laced yarn through sheep lacing cards, and some of you followed one another around the room. Today we’re going to be talking about someone special we can follow—our good shepherd, Jesus. Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him.

If you’re using yarn, wrap the ends with transparent tape. This will keep the yarn from unraveling and will help children poke it through the holes in the sheep lacing cards.

track 2


Lesson 13

Let’s play a game to help us learn about that. I’ll be the shepherd, and you be the sheep. Sheep, join hands and make a circle.

Have children form a circle and hold hands. Lead them in singing “The Shepherd Takes His Sheep” to the tune of “The Farmer in the Dell.” Have children walk around in a circle as you walk the opposite direction outside the circle. As you call each child’s name, take the child’s hand and lead him or her out of the circle. This song is not on the CD.

The shepherd takes his sheep.The shepherd takes his sheep.Jesus loves us, this we know.The shepherd takes his sheep.The shepherd takes [name of child].The shepherd takes [name of child].Jesus loves us, this we know.The shepherd takes [name of child].

Repeat until all children are chosen. Then lead children back to the story area as you sing the last verse.

The sheep follow him.The sheep follow him.Jesus loves us, this we know.The sheep follow him.

Say: Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him, just as you followed the shepherd in our game. Let’s bring out our Bible and find out more about following Jesus.

n Bible Song and prayer TimeSuppLieS: Bible, CD player

Say: Now it’s time to choose a Bible person to bring me the Bible marked with today’s Bible story. As we sing our Bible song, we’ll pass around our special Bible. The person who’s holding the Bible when the music stops will be our Bible person today. Remember that everyone will get a chance to hold the Bible one week.

Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad for the Bible” (track 3) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” As you sing, pass around the special Bible.

I’m so glad for the Bible.Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.I’m so glad for God’s book today.I’m so glad for the Bible.Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’—Keep me learnin’ all about his way.

Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let me hear ’bout God’s love for me.Let me hear ’bout God’s love—Keep me learnin’, learnin’, learnin’.Let’s shine the light for all to see.

tracks 3 & 4

(Repeat first verse.)



When the music stops, invite the child who’s holding the Bible to bring it to you. Lead the class in clapping for the Bible person, cheering, and making fun applause sound effects by slapping your thighs with your palms. Stamp the child’s hand with the shepherd stamp, and thank the child for bringing you the Bible. Then stamp the other children’s hands. Return the shepherd stamp and ink pad to the Learning Lab.

Say: I’m thankful for [name of child who brought the Bible], and I’m thankful for everyone in our class today. Each of you is a special part of our class! Let’s thank God together for all our friends in this class.

Lead children in singing “I’m So Glad We’re Together” (track 4) with the CD to the tune of “Give Me Oil in My Lamp.” As you sing the second verse, lead children in folding their hands and bowing their heads.

I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’.I’m so glad we’re all here today.I’m so glad we’re together.Keep us prayin’, prayin’, prayin’—Prayin’ for each other every day.

n Hear and Tell the Bible StorySuppLieS: Bible

Before the lesson, punch out the eye and mouth holes from the David mask.

Open your Bible to Matthew 18, and show it to the children. Say: Our Bible story comes from the book of Matthew in the Bible. Our Bible Big Book shows us pictures of our Bible story. You’ve been learning this story so well. Let’s see if we can tell Whiskers about the good shepherd and his lost sheep.

Hold the Bible Big Book: The Little Lost Sheep on your lap, and work Whiskers with one hand. He can peek over the top or around the sides of the book. Use your other hand to lift each page, and have Whiskers help you turn the page. Whiskers can offer comments such as “Wow, this is a really big book!” or “Do you get to read books like this every week?”

Have children tell Whiskers what’s happening in each picture. If children point out specific areas of a picture, bring Whiskers up close to those areas. Use Whiskers to ask questions to help children remember details of the Bible story. If you have new children in your class, read the text at the bottom of each page. You can also refer to the story text printed on the back cover. After you finish the story, put the Bible Big Book and Whiskers away and out of sight.

Ask: • What happened to the little lamb in our story? (It got lost; it went away from the shepherd and sheep; it got stuck in a bush.)

Say: The little lamb forgot to follow the shepherd, and it got lost. We are like little lambs who can follow our good shepherd, Jesus. Let’s play a game to see what that’s like.

Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful.Thank you for everyone who’s here.Thank you, Lord, for each one.Keep me thankful, thankful, thankful—Thankful for our friends both far and

near.

Dress Up & Drama


Lesson 13

Wear the David mask, and say: Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him just like sheep follow a shepherd. Let’s pretend we’re sheep following this shepherd. We’ll take turns holding the shepherd mask up to our faces. When you have the shepherd mask, you’ll lead everyone around the room.

Let children take turns wearing the mask and leading everyone around the room. When everyone has had a chance to lead, ask:

• Why do sheep need to follow their shepherd? (The shepherd knows where to go; the shepherd takes care of his sheep.)

• Why should we follow Jesus? (Jesus takes care of us; Jesus knows best.)

Say: Jesus is our friend and our good shepherd, and he wants us to follow him. He wants to take care of us so we don’t get lost or hurt.

Ask: • What are some ways you can follow Jesus? (Come to church; share things; pray; not fight with my brother.)

Say: Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him. Let’s thank Jesus for his love and friendship.

Pray: Dear Jesus, thank you that you love us and are our friend. Help us to follow you in the ways we’ve talked about today. We love you. Amen.

n Do the Bible StorySuppLieS: stop-and-go sign (from Lesson 1)

Say: Jesus is our good shepherd. Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him. Let’s play a game about following a good shepherd. I’ll be the shepherd, and you can all be the lost sheep. When I hold up the go sign, I want you to find a hiding place in our room. After everyone’s in a hiding place, I’ll look for you. When I find a lost sheep, I’ll shake the animal sound maker. Then that person will join

me in looking for the next lost sheep. When we’ve found all the sheep, we’ll go back to our sheepfold.

Hold up the go sign, and then cover your eyes as children find hiding places. After about 30 seconds, say: When I count to 10, I’m going to start looking for my lost sheep.

Count to 10, and then begin looking for the children. When you find a child, shake the animal sound maker, and let the child shake it, too. Have the child help you find the next child. Each time you find a child, let him or her shake the animal sound maker.

When you’ve found all the children, say: I’m so happy I’ve found my lost sheep. Come, sheep. Come with me back to the sheepfold. You’ll be safe there.

Put the animal sound maker away, and lead children back to the story area.

As 3- and 4-year-olds develop spiritually, they recognize their own church and develop a sense of belonging at church.



Closingn Follow the SonSuppLieS: CD player

Bring out Whiskers the Mouse, and go through the following puppet script. When you finish the script, put Whiskers away and out of sight.

Whiskers: (Out of breath) Hello, friends. I’ve been running outside!

Teacher: That sounds like fun. Were you playing with your brother?

Whiskers: No, I was running away from my shadow.

Teacher: Your shadow? Were you able to get away?

Whiskers: No, my shadow was just as fast as me! I ran faster and faster, but I still couldn’t get rid of it. (Puzzled) I don’t understand how it could keep up with me because I’m a very fast runner.

Teacher: Boys and girls, Whiskers doesn’t understand about shadows. Can you help me tell him why his shadow follows him everywhere?

(Lead children to explain how shadows follow us when the sun shines.)

Whiskers: Wow, I didn’t know that! So my shadow is a part of me—it can’t go off by itself. You are the smartest friends I have. You’re always helping me learn something new.

Teacher: We’ve been learning something else today, Whiskers. We’ve been learning about following Jesus. Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him. Just as our shadows always follow us, we can always follow Jesus. Last week we learned a song about following Jesus. Would you like to learn it?

Whiskers: (Nodding enthusiastically) Yes! Let’s sing it together.

(Lead children and Whiskers in singing “I’ll Follow Jesus” (track 14) with the CD to the tune of "Jesus Loves Me.”)

Jesus loves me—this I know. Where he leads me, I will go. I know he’ll take care of me. He’s my shepherd; I’m his sheep.

I’ll follow Jesus. I’ll follow Jesus. I’ll follow Jesus. I’ll follow him each day.

(Repeat.)Permission to photocopy this script from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® for Preschool granted for local church use.

Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 481, Loveland, CO 80539. HandsOnBible.com

track 14


Lesson 13

n i’ll Follow Jesus!SuppLieS: CD player

Have children sit on the floor in a circle. Say: When the sheep followed their shepherd, they stayed safe and warm in the sheepfold. Our Bible verse, Psalm 23:1, tells us about the shepherd that we can follow. Does anyone remember what this verse says? Let children respond; then say: This verse says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” Let’s say the verse together and use our animal sound maker to help us.

Have children say the verse with you, and let them take turns turning the animal sound maker after saying it. Repeat the verse a few times, letting different children take a turn with the animal sound maker.

Ask: • What good things will happen to us if we follow our good shepherd, Jesus? (We’ll be happy; we’ll be safe; Jesus will give us what we need.)

Say: Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him. Who wants to follow Jesus?

Let children respond. Then say: Let’s pray and tell Jesus we want to follow him. After I pray, I’ll pass the animal sound maker around the circle. When the animal sound maker comes to you, turn it over so it makes an animal noise. Then say, “Jesus, I’ll follow you.” After each child has had a turn, pray: Dear God, thank you for sending Jesus to be our good shepherd. We want to follow him. Let each child say, “Jesus, I’ll follow you”; then close the prayer by saying “amen.”

Invite the children to sing “I’ll Follow Jesus” (track 14) with the CD once more. Say: Let’s sing our song about following Jesus while we’re waiting for our parents to come.

Jesus loves me—this I know.Where he leads me, I will go.I know he’ll take care of me.He’s my shepherd; I’m his sheep.

I’ll follow Jesus.I’ll follow Jesus.I’ll follow Jesus.I’ll follow him each day.

(Repeat.)

track 14

Want even more activity ideas for this lesson? Check out HandsOnBible.com/tips.

Growing closer to Jesus extends beyond the classroom.Photocopy the “Today I Learned…” handout (at the end of this lesson) for this week, and send it home with the children. Encourage parents to use the handout to plan meaningful family activities to reinforce this week’s topic.



n Lively Learning: Sheep ConcentrationMake copies of the “Sheep Concentration Cards” (p. 192), and cut out the cards.

Form groups of four, and give each group two sets of sheep concentration cards. Show children how to mix up the cards and spread them out facedown on the floor. Set the animal sound maker in the center of the room.

Have children in each group take turns picking up two cards at a time. If children draw two matching cards, they may shake the animal sound maker. If children pick up two cards that don’t match, have them replace the cards facedown on the floor. If children

draw the picture of Jesus, have them repeat the Bible Point, “Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him.” When groups have found all their matches, let them mix up their cards and play again.

n Make to Take: My Lamb Follows MeBefore class, use a sharpened pencil to poke two

holes in one of the narrow ends of a shoe box as shown in the illustration. Prepare one shoe box for each child.

Help each child thread a string through the holes and tie the ends of the string inside the box. Leave a long loop of string outside the box so the child can pull the box behind him or her. Have children use glue sticks and cotton batting to cover their boxes. As

children are covering their boxes, cut out construction paper triangles to use as ears, nose, mouth, and eyes. Help children glue these to their lambs.

When children have finished, have them pull their lambs behind them saying, “I will follow Jesus.”

n Treat to eat: Sheep CutoutsHelp children clean their hands with baby wipes or at a nearby sink. Form three groups:

the Sheep Cutters, the Wool Spreaders, and the Face Makers. Using sheep cookie cutters, have the Sheep Cutters help you cut sheep shapes out of bread. Then have them pass the Sheep Shapes on to the Wool Spreaders.

Have the Wool Spreaders spread softened cream cheese “wool” on the sheep shapes using plastic knives. Then pass the woolly sheep on to the Face Makers.

Have the Face Makers add chocolate chip eyes, noses, and mouths, and then distribute the sheep. As children eat their creations, review the story of the lost sheep.

n Story picture: Jesus, The Good Shepherd, Loves His ChildrenSet out crayons, fabric scraps, and glue sticks. Give each child a copy of the “Today I Learned…” handout.

Help children choose bits of fabric to glue onto their pictures of Jesus and the children; then have them color the pictures. Remind children that Jesus loves us and wants us to follow him. As they work, talk about ways they can follow Jesus.

Help children continue learning at home. Prepare two sets of cards for each child to color. Place the cards in an envelope, and let each child take home a game to play with his or her family.

For Extra Time If you have a long class time or want to add additional elements to your lesson, try one of the following activities.


Lesson 13

Sheep Lacing Card

#

191Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Preschool granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 481, Loveland, CO 80539. HandsOnBible.com

Sheep Concentration Cards

#

192 Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Preschool granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 481, Loveland, CO 80539. HandsOnBible.com

“The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1a).

n What happened when the sheep didn’t follow the shepherd?

n How can you follow Jesus?

n How can our family help each other follow Jesus this week?

n Trace your child’s footprint on colored paper, and cut it out. Write, “I will follow Jesus” on it. Hang it on the refrigerator or near your child’s bed.

n Sing “I’ll Follow Jesus” with your child to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me.”

Jesus loves me—this I know.Where he leads me, I will go.I know he’ll take care of me.He’s my shepherd; I’m his sheep.

I’ll follow Jesus.I’ll follow Jesus.I’ll follow Jesus.I’ll follow him each day.


(Psalm 23; Matthew 18:10-14)

Jesus loves us and

wants us to follow him.

Help me learn this:

Ask me:

Family Fun

Lesson 13Today your child learned that JESUS LOVES US AND WANTS US

TO FOLLOW HIM. Children told their Bible story about the lost sheep to their puppet friend. They talked about ways they can follow Jesus.

193Permission to photocopy this handout from Group’s Hands-On Bible Curriculum® Preschool granted for local church use. Copyright © Group Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 481, Loveland, CO 80539. HandsOnBible.com

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