The Lost Sheep
Jesus told about a shepherd with one hundred sheep. When one wandered off, he searched until he found it, carried it home on his shoulders and threw a party.
You will learn to...
- Retell the parable of the lost sheep.
- Understand that God searches for each person.
- Feel loved and valued by God.
Words to know
- Shepherd
- Someone who takes care of sheep.
- Repent
- To turn away from wrong and back to God.
Read the full lesson (for older kids and grown-ups)
Some religious leaders grumbled that Jesus welcomed sinners and ate with them. So Jesus told them a story.
'Suppose a shepherd has one hundred sheep and one gets lost. Won't he leave the ninety-nine and go look for the lost one until he finds it? When he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and carries it home.'
'Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, "Celebrate with me! I found my lost sheep!"' Jesus said there is joy in heaven over one sinner who turns back to God.
In this parable, God is like the shepherd and we are like the sheep. Every single person matters to God. Even when someone wanders away from God, he keeps loving them and wants them to come home.
Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
Family conversation starters
- Have you ever been lost? How did it feel to be found?
- How can we welcome people back when they've wandered?
Main people: Jesus · Topics: Parables, God's love, Every person matters · Review status: awaiting theological review