April 26, 2026 – Jesus Is the Good Shepherd

Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd who lovingly cares for his sheep. A shepherd knows each sheep and calls them by name, guiding them to safe places where they can eat, rest, and stay protected from danger. In the same way, Jesus knows each of us personally and wants to lead us toward what is good. When we listen to Jesus and follow Him, He helps us live the full and joyful life God wants for us. Core Teaching Theme This lesson teaches children that Jesus is like a loving shepherd who takes care of His sheep. Sheep learn to recognize their shepherd’s voice and trust him to guide them to safety. Jesus tells us that He knows us and calls us by name, and that He leads us toward a life filled with God’s love and goodness. Children will learn that they can listen for Jesus’ voice through the Bible, prayer, and wise guidance, and that following Jesus leads to a life that is safe, meaningful, and full of joy. Lesson Length 25–30 minutes total Suggested timing: Welcome and introduction – 3 minutes

Bible story and discussion – 10 minutes

This structure keeps the lesson engaging, interactive, and appropriate for children ages 6–12 while staying within a 30-minute Children’s Church timeframe.

LEADER PREP

Leader Devotional & Invitation (for you, before teaching) In this passage, Jesus describes Himself as the shepherd and His followers as the sheep. In the ancient world, shepherds had a deep relationship with their flock. They spent long days and nights caring for the sheep, protecting them from danger, and leading them to places where they could eat and rest. The sheep learned to recognize the voice of their shepherd and trusted him enough to follow wherever he led. When Jesus uses this image, He is showing us something powerful about His relationship with us. He knows us personally, cares deeply for us, and leads us toward a life that is good and full. Jesus also contrasts Himself with thieves and strangers who do not truly care for the sheep. These figures represent voices in the world that lead people away from what is good and true. Jesus reminds His listeners that His purpose is different. He says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Jesus wants more than survival for His followers—He wants them to experience a life filled with purpose, love, peace, and hope. As you prepare to teach this lesson, take a moment to reflect on the voices you listen to in your own life. There are many things that compete for our attention and direction each day. Jesus invites us to listen for His voice through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we follow His voice, we are guided toward wisdom, kindness, and the fullness of life that God desires for us. You have a meaningful role in helping children begin to recognize the voice of their Good Shepherd. Through your teaching, encouragement, and example, you help them see that Jesus knows them, loves them, and calls them by name. Even simple lessons can plant seeds of faith that grow throughout a child’s life. Trust that God is working through you as you guide these children to understand His love. Leader Prayer Dear God, Thank You for being our Good Shepherd who knows us and cares for us. As I prepare to teach this lesson, help me to understand Your Word and share it with joy and clarity. Give me patience, kindness, and wisdom as I guide these children. Help them hear and understand how much Jesus loves them and how He leads us toward a full and joyful life. May Your Spirit be present in our time together. Amen.

Bible Background (Understanding the Story)

In John 10, Jesus is speaking to a group of people in Judea, including religious leaders and others who are listening to His teaching. He uses the everyday image of a shepherd and sheep to explain who He is and what His mission is. During biblical times, shepherds often knew their sheep individually and would call them by voice. The sheep learned to recognize the sound of their shepherd and would follow him because they trusted him. Jesus compares Himself to a shepherd who enters the sheepfold the right way and calls His sheep by name. He explains that the sheep recognize His voice and follow Him, while they will not follow strangers. Jesus then gives an important statement about His purpose: He came so that people could have life—and have it abundantly. This means a life that is full of God’s love, guidance, and goodness. The key message for children is that Jesus knows each person personally and cares for them deeply. Just as sheep trust their shepherd to guide them to safe and good places, we can trust Jesus to guide our lives. When we listen to Jesus through the Bible, prayer, and wise guidance from others, He leads us toward a life that is meaningful, safe, and filled with joy.

Key Vocabulary

Shepherd: A person who takes care of sheep and leads them to safe places. Sheep: Animals that depend on a shepherd to guide and protect them. Voice: The sound someone makes when speaking. Sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd. Abundant: More than enough; a life that is full and overflowing with good things. Follow: To go where someone leads and trust them to guide you in the right direction.

Supply Checklist

Bible Printed memory verse (or poster board with verse written on it) Simple shepherd or sheep images (optional visual aid) Name tags or small cards with children’s names Whiteboard or poster paper Markers or crayons Tape or sticky notes Any materials needed for the curiosity or activity portion of the lesson Prep Time Estimated preparation time: 10–15 minutes Preparation mainly involves reviewing the scripture, reading through the lesson plan, gathering the listed supplies, and preparing any visuals or activity materials needed for the curiosity and application portions of the lesson. Volunteers can easily prepare this lesson shortly before class with minimal setup.

Welcome Question (displayed): Have you ever heard someone call your name in a big crowd? How did you know it was meant for you?

Before Kids Arrive

Place the welcome question where children can see it (on a whiteboard, paper, or screen). Arrange the room so children can sit in a circle or small group. No special supplies are needed for the activity—just a little open space for the group to listen and respond. Prayer Over the Space (Pray quietly before kids arrive): “Dear God, thank You for bringing these children here today. Help them feel welcomed, safe, and loved. Open their hearts to learn how much Jesus cares for them and how He calls each of them by name. Fill this room with joy, kindness, and curiosity. Amen.”

Leader Tip

Younger children (K–2) may answer with quick personal examples like “my mom calling me.” Older children (3–5) may begin connecting the idea of recognizing voices and trust. Encourage all responses and affirm their ideas without over-correcting.

As Kids Arrive (Leader Script)

“Hi everyone! I’m really glad you’re here today. Come on in and find a seat. While we wait for everyone to arrive, I have a question for you.” (Point to the question.) “Our question today is: Have you ever heard someone call your name in a big crowd? How did you know it was meant for you?” Allow children to respond. If children struggle, gently prompt: “Maybe at school when your teacher calls your name?” “Or when your parent calls you from another room?” “How do you know it’s your name being called?”

“That’s really interesting! Today we’re going to hear about someone who calls people by name—and the people who hear his voice know exactly who it is.”

At Start Time (Leader Script)

“Alright friends, let’s all come together so we can start our lesson.” Pause for attention. “Have you ever noticed that there are some voices you recognize right away? Even if you can’t see the person, you just know who it is. Maybe it’s your parent, your teacher, or a friend.” “Today we’re going to hear something really interesting that Jesus said. He talked about people being like sheep and Himself being like a shepherd. The amazing part is that sheep know the voice of their shepherd and follow him because they trust him.” “And Jesus says something similar about us!” Curiosity Activity – Whose Voice Is It?

Leader Instruction

This simple listening game helps children think about recognizing voices, which connects directly to the lesson about sheep recognizing the voice of their shepherd and people learning to recognize Jesus’ voice. Step-by-Step:

1. Ask the children to sit in a circle.
2. Choose one volunteer to stand in the middle with their eyes closed.
3. Quietly point to another child in the circle.
4. That child says the volunteer’s name out loud.
5. The volunteer in the middle tries to guess who called their name.
6. Play a few rounds with different volunteers.

After a few rounds, say: “Wow! Sometimes it’s easy to recognize someone’s voice, and sometimes it’s tricky.” Leader Tips for Management: Remind children to use calm, indoor voices so the game stays organized. Encourage kindness—no teasing if someone guesses incorrectly. Limit the game to 3–4 rounds to keep the lesson moving.

Transition (Leader Script)

“That was fun! In our game, you tried to recognize someone’s voice just by hearing them call your name.” “In the Bible story today, Jesus says that sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd. When the shepherd calls them, they know it’s him and they follow him.” “Let’s listen to our Bible story and find out what Jesus meant when He said He is the Good Shepherd.”

Leader Instruction

This is the moment when children hear and experience the Bible story. Your goal is to help them imagine what Jesus was teaching and understand the picture He used about sheep and a shepherd. Speak slowly, pause for reflection, and invite children to participate with simple movements and responses. Teaching Tips for Volunteers: Tell the story slowly and clearly so children can picture what is happening. Use pauses to allow children to think about the questions. Encourage participation with simple actions and repeated phrases. Keep the focus on what Jesus says about the shepherd and the sheep. Use a calm and welcoming tone so children feel safe to listen and reflect. Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script): Dear God, thank You for giving us the Bible so we can learn about You. Help us listen carefully to the story Jesus tells. Help our hearts understand how much You care for us. Amen. Bible Time Rhyme (say with motions): Open the Bible, hear God’s Word, (open hands like a book) Listen closely to what we’ve heard, (cup hands around ears) God will teach us as we learn today! (point upward, then to heart) Storytelling (Leader Script): Today we are going to listen to something Jesus said. Jesus once told people a story to help them understand who He is. Jesus said that a shepherd takes care of sheep. A shepherd knows his sheep very well. He watches over them. He protects them. And something very special happens between a shepherd and his sheep. The sheep recognize the shepherd’s voice. Let’s pretend we are sheep for a moment. Everyone crouch down like a sheep resting in the grass. (pause) Now imagine the shepherd calling the sheep. Jesus said the sheep hear the shepherd’s voice… and they follow him. Slowly stand up like sheep hearing the shepherd. (pause) The sheep trust the shepherd because they know his voice. But Jesus also said something important. If a stranger calls the sheep, the sheep do not follow. Why? Because they do not recognize that voice. Reflection Question: Why do you think the sheep follow the shepherd they know? (pause for answers) Jesus then said something very special. He said that He is like the gate for the sheep. The gate is the safe place where the sheep go in and out. When the sheep stay close to the shepherd and the gate, they are safe. Jesus said that He came so that people could have life… and not just any life… but a life that is full and abundant. Reflection Question: What do you think it means to have a full and joyful life? (pause) Jesus wanted people to understand something important. Just like sheep trust their shepherd…we can trust Jesus to guide us and care for us. Engagement Tips:

Ask children to make a quiet “baa” sound when the word “sheep” is mentioned.

Invite children to cup their ears when hearing “the shepherd’s voice.” Have children stand when the sheep “follow” the shepherd. Let children whisper the word “follow” together when it appears in the story. Connecting the Wonder Truth (Leader Script): In this story, Jesus teaches that He is like a shepherd who cares for His sheep. A shepherd knows every sheep and calls them by name. In the same way, Jesus knows each one of us. He guides us, protects us, and leads us to a life filled with God’s love. Let’s say this together: “Jesus is our Good Shepherd.” (children repeat) And because Jesus is our Good Shepherd… He knows us, cares for us, and leads us to a full and joyful life. Word of Wonder (Memory Verse): “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10 Motions: “I came” – point upward “that they may have life” – place hands over heart “and have it abundantly” – stretch arms wide John 10:10 – hold hands open like a book Practice Instructions:

1. Whisper the verse together with motions.
2. Say the verse normally together.
3. Say the verse loudly and confidently with the motions.

Optional Engagement Game: Shepherd’s Voice Game Have one child stand at the front as the “shepherd.” The rest of the children close their eyes. The shepherd says, “Follow me, sheep!” Children must decide if they recognize the shepherd’s voice and follow by walking slowly toward them. Discuss briefly: Just like sheep learn to recognize their shepherd’s voice, we learn to recognize Jesus’ voice through the Bible, prayer, and wise guidance.

Leader Instruction

This discussion time helps children connect the Bible story to their everyday lives. The goal is to help them think about how Jesus, our Good Shepherd, guides and cares for us just like a shepherd cares for sheep. Through these questions, children begin to recognize how they can listen for Jesus’ guidance and trust Him when they need help.

Encourage children to share their thoughts freely. Some may speak a lot while others may be quiet. Invite everyone to participate, but never force a child to speak. The goal is reflection and encouragement, not perfect answers. Remind children that following Jesus is something we learn over time. Just like sheep learn to recognize their shepherd’s voice, we learn to recognize Jesus’ guidance through the Bible, prayer, and wise people around us. Tips for Volunteers: Affirm every response with kindness (for example: “That’s a great thought,” or “Thank you for sharing.”). Allow children time to think before answering. Repeat or rephrase questions if children need help understanding them. Keep the tone positive and encouraging so children feel safe sharing.

Discussion (Leader Script)

Younger (K–2)

1. Who was Jesus compared to in our story today?

(Guide: A shepherd who takes care of sheep.)

1. What does a shepherd do for the sheep?

(Guide: The shepherd protects them, leads them, and helps them find food and safe places.)

1. How do the sheep know which shepherd to follow?

(Guide: They recognize the shepherd’s voice.)

1. Who helps you when something is hard or confusing?

(Guide: Parents, teachers, friends, and Jesus.)

1. Is there something this week where you might need Jesus’ help?

(Guide: School, making good choices, being kind, not feeling afraid, etc.) Older (3–5)

1. Why do you think Jesus used the example of a shepherd and sheep to teach people about God’s care?
2. Sometimes our feelings can make decisions difficult. How might trusting Jesus help us when we feel worried, angry, or unsure?
3. Jesus says He knows His sheep and calls them by name. What do you think it means that Jesus knows you personally?
4. What is one situation this week where you might try to listen for Jesus’ guidance before making a choice?

Encourage thoughtful conversation. There are no wrong answers—this is a time for reflection and sharing. Faith Practice Moment (Optional but Encouraged) Leader Script: Let’s take a quiet moment together to remember that Jesus is our Good Shepherd who cares for us. Invite children to sit quietly.

1. Ask children to place one hand over their heart.
2. Then open their other hand in front of them like they are ready to receive something from God.

Leader says a phrase and children repeat

Leader: “Jesus, our Good Shepherd…” Children: “Jesus, our Good Shepherd…” Leader: “You know my name.” Children: “You know my name.” Leader: “Help me listen to your voice.” Children: “Help me listen to your voice.” Leader: “Guide me this week.” Children: “Guide me this week.” Close with a short prayer: “Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. Thank you for knowing each of us and caring for us every day. Help us listen to your voice and follow where you lead. Amen.”

Transition (Leader Script)

Today we learned that Jesus is our Good Shepherd who knows us and leads us. When we trust Him and listen for His voice, He helps guide us toward what is good and life-giving. Next, we’re going to think about who we are because Jesus cares for us and how being part of His flock shapes the way we live and treat others.

Craft Activity – “Jesus Knows My Name” Sheep Craft Small pieces of paper or cardstock Supplies: Cotton balls (2–3 per child) Glue sticks Markers or crayons

Leader Instruction

In today’s lesson, children learned that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows each of His sheep by name. This simple craft helps children visualize that they are personally known and loved by Jesus. Just as a shepherd recognizes every sheep in the flock, Jesus recognizes each child and cares for them individually. During this activity, children will create a small sheep craft and write their own name on it. The cotton balls represent the sheep’s wool, and the name reminds them that they are one of Jesus’ sheep. This reinforces the identity message of the lesson: each child belongs to Jesus, and Jesus lovingly leads them toward a full and joyful life. Encourage children to think about how special it is that Jesus knows their name and cares about them personally. The craft becomes a simple reminder that they are part of Jesus’ flock. Younger Kids (K–2): Children draw a simple sheep face on their paper and glue cotton balls around it to make wool. Write their name on the sheep with the help of the leader if needed. Older Kids (3–5): Children create the same sheep craft but also write a short phrase around their sheep such as “Jesus knows me,” “I follow Jesus,” or “Jesus cares for me.” Pass out supplies after explaining the craft to prevent distractions. Classroom Management Tips: Demonstrate one example sheep before children begin. Encourage creativity but keep the activity simple so it stays within the time limit. Instructions:

1. Give each child a small piece of paper or cardstock.
2. Ask children to write their name in the center of the paper.
3. Have them draw a simple sheep face around their name.
4. Glue cotton balls around the drawing to create the sheep’s wool.
5. Allow children to decorate their sheep with markers or crayons.

Leader Script (Identity Connection): “Today we learned that Jesus is our Good Shepherd. A shepherd knows every single sheep in the flock. Jesus says that His sheep know His voice, and He knows them by name. That means Jesus knows your name too. Just like this sheep you made, you are part of Jesus’ flock. Jesus loves you, cares for you, and leads you to a life that is full of joy and goodness.”

Review the Wonder Truth Today we learned that Jesus is our Good Shepherd who knows us, cares for us, and leads us to a full and joyful life. Just like a shepherd watches over sheep and keeps them safe, Jesus watches over us. He knows each of us by name, loves us deeply, and helps guide us in the right direction. When we listen to Jesus and follow Him, He leads us to a life filled with God’s love. Let’s say our Wonder Truth together: “Jesus is our Good Shepherd who knows us, cares for us, and leads us to a full and joyful life.” And let’s remember our Word of Wonder: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” — John 10:10 Closing Questions

1. Who does Jesus say He is in this story?
2. How do sheep know which shepherd to follow?
3. What are some ways we can listen for Jesus’ voice in our lives?

Closing Prayer

Dear God, Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Good Shepherd. Thank You for knowing us, loving us, and guiding us every day. Help us learn to listen to Your voice and follow where You lead. Fill our lives with Your joy, peace, and love. Amen. Optional Sending Activity “Listen for the Shepherd” Challenge This week, try to notice ways Jesus might be guiding you. When you read the Bible, pray, or hear someone give wise advice, remember that Jesus helps lead us toward what is good. Each day, ask yourself: “What is one good thing Jesus is helping me do today?” You could share your answer with a parent, teacher, or friend and talk about how Jesus is guiding you like a loving shepherd.