Season of the Church
Year: Great Green Growing Season/
Common Time (green)
Story in Scripture: Psalm
23
This parable, written by David, outlines for us
beautiful imagery of the way that God truly loves us. With the children, the
story is told in a hands-on, visual way, with the Good Shepherd leading the way
to clear clean waters and also through dark places (represented by large black
felt shapes). It is very powerful to talk with children about the Good
Shepherd’s dedication to every last sheep. During our story telling today, the
teacher illuded to a counting of each sheep. When one is found to be missing,
the teacher moves the Good Shepherd back through it all, including the dark
places, to find the missing or lost sheep. One of the most insightful responses
I’ve ever heard from a child was this: After the story was complete and a
connection was made between Jesus and the Good Shepherd, a student once
exclaimed, “What? That good shepherd was actually Jesus the whole time!!?!?!?
Wow!” This story is a fantastic way to bring the glory of God’s care for us
into focus for the little ones. With the older children, this story provides an
excellent beginning to a conversation about spiritual disciplines (connecting
to the structure and boundary of the sheep fold), as well as the guidance of
Jesus in their lives- even through places that are dark and confusing- Jesus
goes first to lead us through to the other side!
Guiding Questions for
Discussion:
I
wonder how many sheep really could live in this place?
I
wonder if you have ever had to go through places of danger?
I
wonder how the sheep feel when they are with the Good Shepherd?
I
wonder how the Good Shepherd feels about the sheep?
Prayer:
“Dear Jesus, thank you so
much for being our Good Shepherd. You care for us, you guide us, and you
protect us. Help me to follow you and stay near your side, no matter if I am in
times that are easy or hard. I am so grateful that you are in my life. Amen.”
Looking forward: We are
making our way through Lent and it’s amazing to think that Good Friday and
Easter are right around the corner! Next week, we will be sharing the story of
Palm Sunday (even though it doesn’t fall until the following Sunday), found in
Matthew 21: 1-11.
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