Simon Wallace - I went through Confirmation classes to "confirm my faith in God" and become a member of the church. I don't remember the Bible being opened during these classes to have God's way of salvation explained. I had been baptised as a child and after these sessions was now a member of the church, and yet I remained ignorant as to the very reason for which Christ came into the world...
Memory Verse: Luke 15:2 Memory Verse Text: This Man receiveth sinners.
Point 1: Sheep has wandered - that is it's nature. Sheep cannot clean themselves like a dog or other animal - they need a diligent Shepherd to watch for disease that can easily claim them. Sheep cannot find his way back - no sense of direction - always seems to take the wrong way - need the watchful Shepherd to bring them back. Sheep cannot protect themselves - need a strong deliverer for they are easy prey. Point 2: 99 sheep are not enough for this Shepherd. While the story seems to be about Sheep - really it is about the Shepherd of the Sheep for without Him they cannot continue to exist. Point 3: He goes after ONE. He cares, His movement and purpose show how much. He does not abandon any - not even one. Though this one may have strayed many times previously and is seeming hopeless - yet all are important to HIM. Point 4: He goes so far. He does not stop. He will not stop until He finds it. When He does - He rejoices - it means so much that He calls others to rejoice with him as well. This "MY SHEEP".
Notes: Allow the children to use a little imagination with regard to the enemies of the Sheep (Wolf, Lion, Bear at least) if they were to find that sheep wandering without HIM.
Summary: Another note on the Shepherd's Care:
Isa 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. - His gentleness - care - and tenderness are very evident.
This Sunday School Curriculum guide is part of a 254 Sunday School lesson Book available at www.gospelhall.org. See the Downloads Section of the site for a complete copy.
Simon Wallace
