Lesson: John 10:3 (Ages 6-8)

📖 John 10:3 – Ages 6-8

Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is like a shepherd taking care of his sheep. The gatekeeper is like someone who opens the gate for the shepherd. The sheep are like people who listen to and follow Jesus.

Jesus knows each of his followers by name, just like a good shepherd knows each of his sheep. He calls us and leads us, just like a shepherd leads his sheep to safe places where they can eat and rest.

Imagine you are one of the sheep, and Jesus is your loving shepherd. He knows you, cares for you, and guides you on the right path. Just like sheep trust their shepherd, we can trust Jesus to take care of us and lead us in the right way.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a curious little lamb named Lily. Lily loved to explore and play in the meadow with her friends. One day, Lily wandered too far from the flock and got lost. She felt scared and all alone.

But then, she heard a gentle voice calling out to her, "Lily, Lily, where are you?" It was her shepherd, a kind and loving man who cared for all the sheep. Lily recognized his voice and followed it back to safety.

Just like in the Bible verse John 10:3, the shepherd knew Lily by name and led her back to the flock. Lily learned that by listening to her shepherd's voice, she would always be safe and cared for.

From that day on, Lily stayed close to her shepherd, listening for his voice and following him wherever he led. And she was never lost again.

Prayer Prompt

Heavenly Father, thank you for being our loving gatekeeper who knows us by name and leads us. Help us to listen to your voice and follow you always. Amen.

Discussion Questions

What do you think the gatekeeper and the sheep represent in this verse?
Why is it important for the sheep to listen to the shepherd’s voice?
How do you think Jesus calling his own sheep by name shows how much he cares for them?
What can we learn about following Jesus from this verse?
How can we listen to Jesus' voice in our own lives?

Life Application

In John 10:3, Jesus is teaching us that He is like a shepherd who knows each of His sheep personally and cares for them. As a child, you can apply this message in your life by learning to listen to God's voice through prayer, reading the Bible, and spending time with Him. Just like how the sheep listen to the shepherd's voice and follow him, you can listen to God's voice and follow His guidance in your daily life.

At home, you can listen to God's voice by being kind to your family members, helping with chores, and showing love to others. When you hear God's voice prompting you to be patient, forgiving, or helpful, you can choose to obey Him and show His love to those around you.

In school, you can listen to God's voice by being a good friend, obeying your teachers, and working hard in your studies. When you hear God's voice encouraging you to be honest, respectful, or courageous, you can choose to follow His guidance and be a light for Him in your school.

With your friends, you can listen to God's voice by being a peacemaker, sharing with others, and treating everyone with kindness. When you hear God's voice reminding you to be inclusive, caring, or understanding, you can choose to reflect His love and compassion in your friendships.

Remember, just like the shepherd knows each of his sheep by name, God knows you and loves you deeply. By listening to His voice and following His guidance, you can experience His leading and care in every area of your life.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a "Shepherd and Sheep" craft to help understand John 10:3. Provide children with materials to make a shepherd figure using a clothespin for the body and a popsicle stick for the head. Then, cut out sheep shapes from white paper and write each child's name on a sheep. Encourage them to color and decorate the sheep. Discuss how the shepherd knows each sheep by name, just like how Jesus knows and cares for each of us individually. This visual representation will help children remember the verse and its message of Jesus as our loving Shepherd.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

Listen up, little sheep, don't you weep,
The gatekeeper opens, watch Him sweep,
He calls us each by name, no doubt,
And leads us out, safe and about!

Songs or Videos

One great Christian song for kids that relates to the message of John 10:3 is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. This song talks about following Jesus as our guiding light and listening to His voice just like the sheep listen to their shepherd's voice.

Another wonderful song is "Good, Good Father" by Chris Tomlin. This song reminds us that God knows us each by name, just like a shepherd knows his sheep, and that He lovingly leads and cares for us.

📄 Download as PDF