The Good Shepherd
A Bible story for kids ages 3–8. Read it together, do the actions and talk at the end.
Jesus told a story about a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. A hundred! What a big flock!
👉 Say baaa like the little sheep!
The shepherd knew each sheep by name. He gave them cool, fresh water and led them all to eat green grass.
One day, he counted his sheep: ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine… Hey! One was missing!
👉 Count on your fingers with the shepherd!
A little sheep had gotten lost far away, among the rocks and hills. Baaa… She was all alone.
👉 Say a very soft baaa, like the lost little sheep.
The shepherd left the ninety-nine and went after the lost one, looking everywhere, until he found her.
👉 Put your hand over your eyes and look all around!
Found her! The shepherd put the little sheep on his shoulders, full of joy. What a cozy hug!
👉 Hug your shoulders really tight!
At home, he called his friends: “Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!”
👉 Clap your hands for joy!
Jesus explained: when someone comes back close to God, there is a joyful party up in heaven!
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” He knows you by name and never gives up on you.
👉 Say your name out loud: Jesus knows you!
Verse: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
To talk about with your child
- How did the shepherd feel when he found the little sheep?
- Jesus knows your name. How does that make you feel?
Mission of the week: Before bed, say: Thank You, Jesus, my Good Shepherd, for taking care of me!