Jesus told a parable about a shepherd who had one hundred sheep. When one of the sheep got lost, the shepherd searched and searched until he found it.

God has made everyone on the earth, and each person is important to Him.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• Matthew 18:10-14
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 100:3
• 1 Peter 5:1-4

Outline:

1. Jesus warns not to de-value children (Matthew 18:10)
2. Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-13)
3. God’s view of children (Matthew 18:14)

Tips for teaching:

• Hide a toy lamb or a picture of a lamb so that children can find it.
• Make a craft involving a sheep.
• For a game, blindfold one child as the “shepherd”.  The other children take turns baa-ing like sheep.  The blindfolded shepherd tries to identify the sheep by their sound.
• Adopt a children’s class in the church (or all the children – depending on the church size) and write them notes of blessing and encouragement.  In addition, plan a get-together with this class of children to eat together and play games together.  Spend time at this event to let the children know you love them and that they matter to you and God.
• Draw up a list of people who have left the congregation over the last 1-2 years (not those that moved away or have gone to another congregation but those who are not part of a Christian fellowship now).  Pray for these people by name.  Discuss ways you could encourage and connect with and reach out to them.  And then do this in a sensitive manner realising everyone’s situation is different.   

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson:  Parable of a Lost Sheep 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org