The Gospel Project Unit 23:5 The Good Shepherd
Today’s Bible Lesson is from Luke 10.
Jesus’ teaching caused division among the Jews. They argued about who He was and where He had come from. Had He really come from God? Was He crazy or demon-possessed? In John 10, Jesus taught about Himself by using a comparison that is found throughout the Old Testament: the Lord as the Shepherd of His people.
In Bible times, shepherding was a common occupation. Leaders of nations—even non-Israelite nations—would refer to themselves as shepherds of the people. A good shepherd would guide, provide for, and protect his people. Yet Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel criticized Israel’s leaders for failing to shepherd God’s people well. The Israelites were like sheep—helpless and wandering—and they longed for a truly good shepherd.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who provides abundant life for His sheep. A shepherd would gather his sheep at night and form a pen to keep the sheep in and to keep wild animals and thieves out. The shepherd would lay across the opening. Like a shepherd provides safety for his sheep, Jesus provides salvation and eternal life.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. A shepherd protects his sheep from wolves and other wild animals, even at risk to his own life. Jesus gave up His life on the cross to rescue sinners from sin and death.
Finally, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep. Even when two or more flocks gathered in a pen, a shepherd could call for his sheep and they would respond to the sound of his voice. Jesus knows His sheep personally.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, came to do His Father’s plan: to die on the cross and rise again so that we might be saved. We can live sacrificially as we point others to the sacrifice Jesus made for us.
Big Picture Question:
What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.
Key Passage:
John 14:25-26- “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Worship ideas that connect with today’s lesson:
Bible Story Lesson: (This video will be visible for 2 weeks)
Discussion Questions:
How will sheep know their shepherd? (by his voice, John 10:3-4)
Why does a thief come? (only to steal, kill, and destroy; John 10:10)
What does the good shepherd do? (lays down his life for the sheep, John 10:15)
Why do you think Jesus compares people to sheep? Guide kids to understand that sheep are animals that need guidance. On their own, they cannot thrive. Help them understand that using the imagery of sheep also calls back to Psalm 23 and Old Testament figures like David, Moses, and Jacob.
How can we become part of Jesus’ flock? Guide kids to see that Jesus’ flock includes all people who have faith in Jesus. We cannot earn salvation, but God gives it freely to all who believe the truth of the gospel. Remind kids that salvation comes by grace through faith.
How do you feel knowing that no one can snatch us from Jesus? Lead kids to find and read John 10:28. Guide kids to discuss their feelings. Help them see that everyone who has faith in Jesus has eternal life. Explain to them that Jesus’ promise is not based on our behavior but on His power and goodness. Share your thoughts about these promises.
Take away • Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His people. Jesus said He would lay down His life for His sheep, and He died on the cross for our sins. He said He would take His life up again, and He rose from the dead on the third day. We can trust Jesus’ promises to protect and care for us.
Activity Ideas:
I know that voice
This activity will require the input of some friends and family. Ask a few people to call you and talk to your kids, without saying who they are. See if your kids can guess who they are talking to, just by their voice. This is a fun way to stay connected during this time when we can’t see each other very often!
Say • Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and know Him. We can hear God’s words to us when we read the Bible. That is the key way that God “speaks” to us today. When we read God’s Word, we learn more about Him and how He wants us to live. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for His people. If you have faith that Jesus died for your sin and rose again on the third day, you are part of His flock, and the Bible is God’s voice speaking to you.
Make a sheep handprint
Invite children to color a grassy scene on blue construction paper. Paint a child’s palm white and fingers and thumb black. Help her press her handprint onto the paper, fingers down. Wipe her hand and give her one or two googly eyes to adhere to the thumbprint. Suggest she glue cotton balls to the palm. Write the story point on each child’s artwork.
Say • Your handprint is not like anyone else’s. God made each person different, and He knows everything about you! Jesus is the Good Shepherd who calls His sheep by name. Those who trust in Jesus are His sheep. He said, “I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me. My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me. I give them life forever.” I pray that each of you will trust and follow Jesus!