THINK TOGETHER
Have you ever been around a sheep? What do you know about sheep?
READ TOGETHER
Over and over again the Bible calls us sheep. And it’s not meant to be a compliment. Now I’m not a sheep expert, but from what I hear sheep are pretty dumb and completely helpless. Sheep can’t find their own food. Sheep can’t protect themselves from other animals. Sheep will wander off to unsafe places and even eat poisonous food. The Bible also says that sheep (us) need a shepherd. What does a shepherd do? Why would God say that we all need a shepherd? When Jesus was on earth he called himself the Good Shepherd. Listen to what he says the Good Shepherd does:
John 10:11.I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus called himself the GOOD shepherd because there are also BAD shepherds. A BAD shepherd is someone who doesn’t help others, or is mean, or a bully, or takes advantage of someone. A BAD shepherd demands that others serve them, but a GOOD shepherd serves others. A GOOD shepherd looks out for those who are weaker than them. A GOOD shepherd is kind, and helpful, and considerate of others. A GOOD shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Jesus laid down his life for us on the cross and took our punishment so that we might be able to have eternal life with him forever. Jesus had to do this for us because, remember, we’re sheep. Helpless and foolish sheep. Are you a sheep that needs Jesus to be your GOOD shepherd?
If Jesus is your shepherd then you can learn to be a GOOD shepherd too, like him. When we know how much Jesus takes care of us, then we can take care of others too. Every day we can learn to trust Jesus more and more like a sheep, and then, like a shepherd, we can help others to trust Jesus more and more by showing his love and kindness to them.
Because of Jesus we are safe in the arms of our Good Shepherd.
With Jesus we can be good shepherds that point others to Jesus and his love.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Watch the movie Babe together. Talk about how Babe had to learn how to be a good shepherd, kind and caring not mean and terrifying.
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, you are my Good Shepherd who gave your life for me. Help me to be a good shepherd too who helps others and points them to your love. Amen.
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