The Good Shepherd: Sunday School Lesson
John 10 · Luke 15:3–7
Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.
Big Idea
Jesus does not count His sheep and shrug — He goes after the one.
Story Summary
Jesus said, 'I am the good shepherd.' A hired man runs when the wolf comes, but the good shepherd knows His sheep by name and lays down His life for them. And if one sheep out of a hundred wanders away, He leaves the ninety and nine and searches until He finds it.
Memory Verse (KJV)
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11
Discussion Questions
- What does the hireling do when the wolf comes? Why?
- How does the shepherd call His sheep?
Teacher hint: He calleth his own sheep by name, and they know his voice (John 10:3–4).
- What does the shepherd do when he finds the lost sheep?
- How does it feel to know Jesus knows your name?
Craft Idea: Cotton-Wool Lost Sheep
Supplies
- Card stock
- Cotton wool
- Black paper for legs and face
- Glue
Steps
- Glue cotton wool into a fluffy sheep body.
- Add black paper legs, head and ears.
- Write the child's own name on the sheep.
- Write John 10:11 underneath.
Printable Worksheet
Print the lesson page for the verse card and simple discussion questions.
Lesson flow (45 minutes)
- Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
- Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to John 10 · Luke 15:3–7.
- Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
- Craft (15 min): Make the cotton-wool lost sheep.
- Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.
More Sunday school lessons
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The Raising of Lazarus
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Luke 17:11–19
The Healing of the Ten Lepers
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Mark 12:41–44
The Widow's Mite
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Matthew 21:1–11
The Triumphal Entry
Ages 4–10 · ~40 min
Luke 22:7–20
The Last Supper
Ages 7–12 · ~40 min
John 13:1–17
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Luke 23 · John 19
The Crucifixion
Ages 8–12 · ~45 min
Luke 24:13–35
The Road to Emmaus
Ages 8–12 · ~40 min
Where to go next
Teaching The Good Shepherd? Here is what to grab next for your class.