Opening Activity

• In David’s time, shepherds were in constant watch over their sheep because the danger was all around. Sheep would make great food for wild animals, which were always nearby and on the prowl.
• A good shepherd was ready to protect his sheep, or grab them from danger with their rod or staff. David acknowledges how God was his Good Shepherd and Protector. David found much comfort in God’s constant presence.

Bible Story

Invite one of the children to dress up as a shepherd
Teacher: What are you wearing on your head? Is it a shepherds head covering? Are you pretending to be a good shepherd?
Shepherd: Yes I am.
Teacher: What do you have in your hands? Is that a shepherds staff or rod?
Shepherd: Yes it is.

Teacher: You look like a good shepherd. Do all good shepherds carry a staff and a rod?
Shepherd: Yes we do.
Teacher: The sheep don’t have to be afraid because they know that the shepherd will protect them with his rod. The good shepherd protects the sheep from snakes, bears, wolves, hyenas or stray dogs. They also know they don’t have to be afraid because the good shepherd comforts them and rescues them if they are in trouble. If a sheep gets stuck in a high place or the bush, the shepherd will use his staff to pull them out of danger.

Psalms 23:4 says “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

This verse means that when we are afraid, God will comfort us. We can know that God is with us and protecting us just like a shepherd protects its sheep.

Jesus is our Lord and Shepherd. He laid down his life to save us from the valley of the shadow of death. If we follow Him, we are counted as one of His sheep. The fear of sin cannot overcome us, because Jesus already laid down His own life for our sins. When we enter through the gate of Jesus and follow in His paths, we can be sure that He will protect us from the evil one. Even when we stray, He will take His staff to grab us and bring us back to him. Now that is a great comfort!

Questions

1. What kind of valley did the shepherd sometimes have to walk his sheep? (A valley of the shadow of death.)
2. How could you feel safe if you had to walk through such a valley? (If you were in the presence of the Good Shepherd.)
3. We may be pretty safe from wild animals, but whom do we need protection from? (The devil.)
4.  How can a rod and staff be a comfort to the sheep? (They can be used to guide the sheep, fight off wild animals, and grab a sheep that has wandered astray.)
5. David feared no evil because of God’s presence. How can we have God’s presence in our own life? (By obeying His commandments and following Jesus.)