The Lost Sheep
The Shepherd Who Never Stops Searching
The Story
Luke 15:4-7
Jesus was eating with people the religious leaders looked down on, so He told them a story. 'Suppose a shepherd has 100 sheep and loses one. What does he do? He leaves the 99 and goes after the lost one until he finds it!'
The sheep didn't go looking for the shepherd — it was just lost, confused, maybe stuck in a bush. It couldn't find its way home. It needed someone to come for it.
The shepherd searched and searched. And when he finally found that little lost sheep, he didn't scold it. He lifted it up, put it on his shoulders, and carried it home!
When he got home, he called all his friends: 'Come celebrate with me! I found my lost sheep!' Jesus said, 'There is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who returns to God than over 99 others who never strayed!'
What Can We Learn?
You Matter to God
Out of 100 sheep, the shepherd went after ONE. That one is YOU. You are never too small to matter to God.
Jesus Comes Looking for You
The sheep didn't find the shepherd — the shepherd found the sheep. Jesus comes looking for US!
Heaven Celebrates YOU
The whole village celebrated when the sheep was found. Heaven celebrates when someone comes home to God!
No Shame, Just Love
The shepherd carried the sheep home — no scolding, just love. That's how God treats us when we come home.
Memory Verse
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 (NLT)
Character Spotlight
The Good Shepherd
Picture of Jesus
Fun Facts:
- ★Left 99 sheep to find one lost one
- ★Carried the sheep on his shoulders
- ★Threw a party when the sheep was found
Lessons from The Good Shepherd:
- ✓You are valuable enough for God to search for you
Prayer Time
Read this prayer out loud!
Dear Jesus, thank You for being my good shepherd who comes looking for me. Thank You that I matter so much to You that You would leave the 99 to find me. Help me to stay close to You. Amen.
Family Discussion
Talk about these questions together!
How does it feel to know Jesus loves you enough to search for you?
Who do you know who might be a 'lost sheep' you can point to Jesus?
📚 For older kids & teensWhat does this story tell us about how God sees people who have made mistakes?
Fun Activities
Activities to reinforce the story!
Color the Lost Sheep
Color the shepherd finding his lost sheep!
Find the Lost Sheep
Help the shepherd find the lost sheep in the maze!
Draw the Celebration
Draw the party when the sheep was found!
