Lesson: John 10:2 (Ages 3-5)

📖 John 10:2 – Ages 3-5

Explanation

In this Bible verse, Jesus is telling us that the true shepherd, or leader, of the sheep is the one who comes in through the gate. Just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep and keeps them safe, Jesus takes care of us and guides us in the right way.

Imagine a big field with lots of sheep in it. The shepherd is like our loving friend who watches over us and always knows what is best for us. He knows each one of us by name, just like a good shepherd knows each of his sheep.

When we listen to Jesus and follow Him, we are like the sheep who stay close to their shepherd. He protects us from harm and leads us to green pastures where we can be happy and safe.

So, remember, Jesus is our shepherd, and when we trust Him and walk through the gate with Him, we are in good hands, just like the sheep with their shepherd.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, there was a little lamb named Lily who loved to explore the meadow. One day, Lily saw a big, beautiful gate and decided to go through it. But as she wandered further from her flock, she got scared and lost.

Suddenly, Lily heard a kind voice calling her name. It was her shepherd, Sarah, who had entered through the gate to find her. Sarah gently picked up Lily and carried her back to the safety of the flock.

Just like Lily, we are like sheep and Jesus is our Shepherd. He is always watching over us and when we stay close to Him, we are safe and loved. Jesus is the gate that leads us to safety and protection. Just like Lily found her way back to her shepherd, we can always find our way back to Jesus when we stay close to Him.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for being our loving shepherd. Help us remember to always follow you and stay close to you, just like sheep follow their shepherd. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Who is the shepherd in the Bible verse we read?
2. What do shepherds do to take care of their sheep?
3. Why do you think it's important to enter the gate to be a good shepherd?
4. How can we follow Jesus like sheep follow a shepherd?
5. Can you think of ways we can listen to Jesus, our Good Shepherd, in our daily lives?

Life Application

This Bible verse from John 10:2 reminds us that Jesus is like a shepherd who cares for His followers, just like a shepherd cares for his sheep. Children can apply this message in their real life by being kind and caring towards others, just like Jesus cares for us. They can show love and compassion to their family members, friends, and classmates, and help those in need. By being a good shepherd to those around them, children can reflect Jesus' love in their everyday interactions.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a simple craft where children can make their own shepherd and sheep scene to help them understand John 10:2.

Materials needed:
- Construction paper (green, brown, white, and any other colors for decorating)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or crayons

Instructions:
1. Cut out a large rectangle from the green construction paper to represent grass.
2. Cut out a smaller rectangle from the brown construction paper to make a gate.
3. Cut out small cloud shapes from the white construction paper to create sheep.
4. Have the children decorate their sheep with markers or crayons.
5. Glue the gate onto the grass, leaving a small opening to represent the gate.
6. Place the sheep near the gate, with one sheep entering through the gate.
7. Have the children take turns being the shepherd and guiding the sheep through the gate.

As they play with their shepherd and sheep scene, you can remind them of the verse from John 10:2 and explain that Jesus is like the shepherd who lovingly cares for and guides His sheep, which are His followers.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When the shepherd enters in,
The sheep know it's safe, they'll win.
Through the gate, he leads the way,
Guiding us, day by day.

Songs or Videos

One delightful Christian song for kids that relates to the message of John 10:2 is "The Lord's My Shepherd" by Stuart Townend. This song beautifully captures the idea of Jesus as our loving shepherd who guides and cares for us. Another great song is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective, which also reflects the theme of God being our shepherd and guiding light. Both of these songs are uplifting and engaging for children to listen to and learn from.

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