John 10:11-18, NIRV

¹¹“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. ¹²The hired man is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when the hired man sees the wolf coming, he leaves the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. ¹³The man runs away because he is a hired man. He does not care about the sheep.

¹⁴“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me. ¹⁵They know me just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I give my life for the sheep. ¹⁶I have other sheep that do not belong to this sheep pen. I must bring them in too. They also will listen to my voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷The reason my Father loves me is that I give up my life. But I will take it back again. ¹⁸No one takes it from me. I give it up myself. I have the authority to give it up. And I have the authority to take it back again. I received this command from my Father.”

Visual object: The pot with plant in it.

Message

Have you ever heard someone tell you that talking to your plants helps them grow? Do you think the plants listen to your voice? (Let children respond.)

In today’s scripture, Jesus teaches us that he is like a shepherd who takes care of us, his flock. He says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me.” He goes on to say, “They also will listen to my voice.”

How do you listen to Jesus’ voice? (Let children respond.) That’s right. We can learn more about Jesus by reading our Bible. (Affirm other answers the children provide as well.)

The Bible teaches us the importance of being close to Jesus so we can grow healthy and strong. Today, we learn from the Bible that Jesus wants us to follow him. He’s the Good Shepherd who will guide us, help us, and teach us. Jesus is always with us. Let’s follow Jesus!

Prayer

God, again, we thank you for Jesus. Thank you that he is the Good Shepherd who helps us if we lose direction or need help. May we listen and follow the Good Shepherd. Amen.