Following the Good Shepherd (Lesson Plan)


In this lesson, we will explore the biblical metaphor of Jesus as the good shepherd as described in the Bible.

Objective: 

To understand the significance of the metaphor of Jesus as the good shepherd and its relevance to our lives today.

Bible References:

  • John 10:11-18
  • Psalm 23
  • Ezekiel 34:11-24

Reflection on Bible References:

  • In John 10:11-18, Jesus refers to himself as the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. This passage emphasizes the sacrifice and love that Jesus has for his followers.
  • Psalm 23 is a well-known passage that describes God as a shepherd who cares for and protects his sheep. This passage highlights the comfort and security that believers can find in God's care.
  • Ezekiel 34:11-24 also uses the metaphor of a shepherd to describe God's role in caring for and leading his people. This passage emphasizes the responsibility of leaders to care for those under their care.

Group Activity:

  • Divide the group into small teams and have them brainstorm different ways that Jesus can be seen as a good shepherd in our lives today.

Individual Activity:

  • Reflect on a time when you felt lost or alone, and consider how Jesus as the good shepherd could have been present for you in that situation. Write a short reflection on this experience.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, We come to you today recognizing Jesus as our Good Shepherd. 

We thank you for the sacrifice and love that he has shown us by laying down his life for us. 

We thank you for the comfort and security that we find in his care, and the guidance that he provides as we navigate through this life. 

We ask that you help us to hear his voice, and to follow him closely as we go through our daily lives. 

We pray for those who are lost and in need of a shepherd, that they may find their way to you through Jesus. 

We trust in you always and in all things. 

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Conclusion:

The metaphor of Jesus as the good shepherd is a powerful reminder of his sacrifice, love, guidance, and protection for his followers. It is a reminder that as believers, we can find comfort and security in his care and that he will always be there for us. We should strive to follow in his footsteps and to be good shepherds to those around us. This lesson encourages us to reflect on our own experiences and to consider how Jesus has been present as the good shepherd in our lives. May we always hear his voice and follow him closely.

 

 

Note:The activities provided here are just a sample, you can adjust them based on the class size, student's level, school's curriculum and your own teaching style. 

Image by kamchatka on Freepik

Popular posts from this blog

Discovering the Life and Legacy of Saint Joseph (+ Lesson Plan)

Image
Saint Joseph was a man who lived a long time ago, in a place called Palestine. He was a carpenter, which meant he made things out of wood. He was also a very religious man and believed in God very strongly. One of the most important things about Saint Joseph is that he was the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were not married for very long when they found out that Mary was going to have a baby. But, it was not just any baby, it was a very special baby. An angel came to Mary and told her that the baby she was going to have was the Son of God. Mary was very happy and excited about this news, but Joseph was a little bit confused. He didn't understand how this could be possible. But, the angel came to him too and told him that he should not be afraid, that this baby was going to be very special. After the angel's visit, Joseph did as he was told and took Mary and the baby Jesus to Bethlehem, where they had to go to be counted in a special census. When
Read more

Practicing the Presence of God: A Guide Inspired by Brother Lawrence

Image
Embarking on a spiritual journey can sometimes feel like navigating an intricate maze. However, some paths, like the teachings of Brother Lawrence in "The Practice of the Presence of God," offer a simple yet profound method: maintaining a constant, loving awareness of God. If you're wondering how to integrate this practice into your daily life, here's a step-by-step guide to help you. 1. Begin With Intention Every morning, upon waking, dedicate a few quiet moments to acknowledge God's presence. Set an intention to keep this connection alive throughout the day, laying a foundation for the hours ahead. 2. Set Up Reminders In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to forget our spiritual intentions. Use alarms, sticky notes, or even daily habits (like sipping water) as cues to refocus on God's presence. 3. Elevate Mundane Activities Choose routine tasks—be it brushing your teeth, washing dishes, or taking a stroll—as sacred moments. Engage in these
Read more