The Lost Sheep
Then Jesus told them this parable:
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.
Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’
I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”
Luke 15:3–7 (NIV)
This is one of the sweetest stories to share with little ones because it speaks their language, animals, emotions, and love. Kids immediately connect with the idea of a tiny sheep getting lost, feeling scared, and needing help. And they light up when they hear about the loving Shepherd who notices right away, goes searching, and celebrates when He finds His little one. It’s simple, relatable, and deeply comforting, exactly the kind of story our littles can understand and carry with them. Here is how:
Engage:
Step into the story. As you read these verses, ask simple, playful questions to help your little one join the story:
The Shepherd had 99 sheep wow, that’s a lot! Can you imagine counting 99 sheep? Do you ever count sheep at night before bed?
But then, he notices one sheep is gone. Oh no! Now he has a tricky choice to make… Should he leave the 99 to go find that poor little sheep? Or just forget about that one? What do you think he should do?
Apply: Connect to everyday life:
Ask for help when you feel lost: Just like the little sheep, sometimes we feel scared, alone, or unsure. We can always ask Jesus to help us.
Show love to others: We can be like the Shepherd by helping friends, siblings, or classmates who feel left out or sad.
Celebrate making good choices: When someone stops making “red choices” and starts making “green choices,” celebrate together, just like the Shepherd was so happy to find the lost sheep.
Repeat & Reinforce:
Retell the Story Together: Ask your child to retell the story in their own words. Prompt them with questions like:
“What happened to the lost sheep?”
“What was the tricky choice the shepherd had to make?”
“How did the Shepherd feel when he found it?”
Act It Out: Take turns being the lost sheep and the Shepherd. Pretend to wander and be found, emphasizing the joy when you’re reunited.
Lost Sheep Hunt: Hide a small toy sheep around the room or yard. Let your child search for it like the Shepherd searches for the lost sheep. Celebrate together when it’s found!
Closing Thought
Remind your child that God always notices them, just like the Shepherd noticed the lost sheep. When they feel scared, alone, or unsure, they can rest knowing that the Good Shepherd is always in pursuit of their hearts. He finds them, holds them close, and celebrate their return. Our littles don’t need perfect words; they just need to trust that God loves them and is always looking out for them. He rejoices over their little hearts, their questions, and their steps toward Him.
To help bring this lesson to life:
Watch a short 3-minute video and sing along from the Young David series!
For even more hands-on fun, pair it with the Shepherd’s Path activity sheet.
Love,
Gi 🤍
The Shepherd’s Path Activity Sheet
Bring the parable of the lost sheep to life with this 2-page activity sheet from the Red Letters Mini Series. Page 1 features a memory verse fill-in-the-blank, a “color me” prompt to help the shepherd find the sheep, a mini maze, and a short prayer to help kids connect with the lesson. Page 2 is a Lost Sheep Adventure, where littles practice tracing by reuniting the sheep and Shepherd and bringing them back home to a joyful celebration. This activity sheet encourages children to apply the lesson in a playful, hands-on way, making the story of the lost sheep come alive!
23 | Official Music Video From Young David | Angel Studios & Minno (The Lord is My Shepherd)
