BIBLE EXPLORE / NEW TESTAMENT / JOHN / JOHN 10

Book of John: Chapter 10

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My sheep listen to my voice (John 10:22-30)

In the gospel reading today, Jesus claims to be the Son of God. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me" John 10:28-29. As mentioned above, shepherding or pastoral care is a pervasive theme across all of our readings.

​It's helpful to know that this story comes right after Jesus has told the story of the Good Shepherd, where Jesus says "I am the good shepherd". If you are sharing this story with children, you might like to unpack this story further. 

Gospel Conversations

We take a step back in Jesus' story this week to an encounter at the feast of Hannukah. Who is this Jesus? How can we know? Bishop Kelvin, Tony Martin and Diana Abercrombie join Rev Michael Godfrey for a quiet and thoughtful discussion around encountering Jesus the Good Shepherd.

Activities

• Gathering Sheep Balloon Game (Danielle's Place)
• Story Telling Idea (Faith Sprouts)
• Toilet Roll Sheep (Diary of a Newbie Mom)
• Sheep Puppets (Kid's Craft Room)
• Popcorn Sheep Bags (Glued to my Crafts)
• Sheep Headband (Simple Everyday Mom)
• Clothespeg Sheep (Prodigal Pieces)
• Marshmallow and Pretzel Sheep (Who's the Farris)
• Sheep Cupcake 

Visio Lectio

​A beautiful image from the Visio Lectio project, created by the Anglican Diocese of Auckland. © Sarah West. All Rights reserved, shared with permission. ​
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Quick Questions

• Who is the Good Shepherd? 
• Who are the sheep?
• How do you recognise Jesus' voice?
• What ideas can you think of for ways of learning to hear Jesus' voice more clearly?

Activity Sheets

• Mazes: Help the shepherd find his sheep -- easy and difficult mazes for different age groups
  
• Activity Sheet: Good Shepherd themed worksheet.

The Good Shepherd Media

Ever dreamt of country dancing a memory verse? Now's your chance. You're welcome. 

Parable of the Lost Sheep Media

Although this is a differen parable, this story may also be helpful in sharing how God is like a loving shepherd who protects and cares for his sheep. 

The Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18)

Today's gospel reading tells the story of Jesus talking to the Jews, who were confused by him saying "I am the good shepherd"

Activity Sheets

• Mazes: Help the shepherd find his sheep -- easy and difficult mazes for different age groups
  
• Activity Sheet: Good Shepherd themed worksheet.

Activities

• Gathering Sheep Balloon Game (Danielle's Place)
• Story Telling Idea (Faith Sprouts)
• Toilet Roll Sheep (Diary of a Newbie Mom)
• Sheep Puppets (Kid's Craft Room)
• Popcorn Sheep Bags (Glued to my Crafts)
• Sheep Headband (Simple Everyday Mom)
• Clothespeg Sheep (Prodigal Pieces)
• Marshmallow and Pretzel Sheep (Who's the Farris)
• Sheep Cupcake 

Storypath

The Storypath website shares ideas for children's books matching the lectionary readings each Sunday. 
Today's book suggestions can be found here

Quick Questions

• Who is the Good Shepherd? 
• Who are the sheep?
• How do you recognise Jesus' voice?
• What ideas can you think of for ways of learning to hear Jesus' voice more clearly?

Media

The Good Shepherd: Pursue GOD Kids

Jesus is the Good Shepherd: CFC Kids

For Leaders

In this Gospel Conversation from the Dunedin Diocese for Easter 4, the Diocesan Ministry Educator is joined by Dr Gillian Townsley (chaplain at St Hilda’s School), the Rev’d Vivienne Galletly (hospital chaplain) and the Rev’d Richard Johnson (Dean for Rural Ministry). They discuss John 10:11-18 where Jesus explores imagery surrounding shepherds, sheep, wolves and hired hands.