The Gospel from the worksheets, told for little ones. Read it aloud on Saturday, or tap Listen.
I Am the Good Shepherd
Jesus told the people, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.” He explained that a hired man, who is only paid to mind the sheep, does not really care about them. When he sees a wolf coming, he runs away and leaves the sheep alone. A true shepherd stays with his flock.
Jesus said, “I know my own and my own know me.” He has other sheep too, and He will lead them so that there will be one flock and one shepherd. No one takes His life from Him. He gives it freely, and He has the power to take it up again.
Jesus gave His life for us on the cross, and then He rose again. He knows each of us, and we listen to His voice when we pray, read the Bible and come to Mass.
Big idea: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for us and rose again. He knows us, and we listen to His voice.
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” A shepherd is someone who looks after sheep and keeps them safe. Jesus said that a man who is only paid to mind the sheep runs away when a wolf comes. But a good shepherd never leaves his sheep. He even gives his life for them!
Jesus said, “I know my own and my own know me.” The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. Jesus said He has other sheep too, and He will bring them all together into one flock.
We are Jesus’ sheep! Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life for us on the cross, and then He rose again. He knows each one of us, and He never stops caring for us. We hear His voice when we pray and when we come to Mass.
Big idea: Jesus is our Good Shepherd. He knows us, loves us and never leaves us!
Jesus Looks After His Sheep
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.” A shepherd looks after sheep. He keeps them safe. A good shepherd never runs away.
Jesus knows His sheep, and His sheep know His voice. We are like Jesus’ sheep! Jesus loves us and takes care of us.
Big idea: Jesus is my Good Shepherd!
Jesus’ own words are in red, like a red-letter Bible.
This is Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus contrasts Himself with a hired hand who runs when the wolf comes: the good shepherd stays, knows each sheep, and lays down his life for them. Then He adds something astonishing: no one takes His life from Him; He gives it freely, and takes it up again. The second reading tells us who we are because of that love: “we are called God’s children; and that is what we are.” The Church also keeps this day as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, praying for priests and religious who shepherd in His name.
Children understand shepherding without being told. They know whose voice they trust in a crowded hawker centre and who will come if they cry at night. Every time we stay, listen and know our children by name, we give them a small picture of how Jesus cares for them. This week, help them notice His voice too: in a bedtime prayer, at Mass, and in the people He sends to look after them.
Dinner-table questions
What does a good shepherd do for his sheep?
How does Jesus look after you, like a shepherd looks after his sheep?
Who are some people Jesus has given us to help us know Him?
This week’s family practice: Each night this week, pray together for one shepherd in your life, such as your parish priest, a teacher, a catechist or a grandparent, and ask Jesus to bless them.
