The children will learn that:-
Bible Story Reference: Psalms 23:4
Memory Verse:
Isaiah 41:10a (NIV)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
Opening Activity
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
Prayer
Father, we thank you for being a good shepherd, for guiding and protecting us. Help us not to be afraid because we know that you are always with us. Amen
Crafts
Psalms 23 Book
What You Need
Steps
Write a “4” in the lower right-hand corner of the paper.
At the top of the paper, write “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
Draw pictures on the bottom portion of the paper about verse 4.
Stick it on your Psalms 23 booklet that you have been making from the beginning of this month.