Learning Objectives

• Read and retell the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7 and Matthew 18:12-14).
• Explain what the parable teaches about God's care and forgiveness.
• Show how the lesson applies to life at school, home and in the community.
• Practice kindness: include and help those who feel left out.

The Story (Short Summary)

Jesus told a story about a shepherd who had 100 sheep. When one sheep wandered away and got lost, the shepherd left the 99 sheep on the hill and searched until he found the lost one. When he found it, he was very happy and called his friends to celebrate. Jesus said God is like this shepherd: He cares for each person and rejoices when someone who was lost comes back.

What the Parable Means

• God cares for every person: No one is unimportant to God. Even one person matters greatly.
• God seeks the lost: God looks for people who have gone astray and wants them to return.
• Joy in repentance: Heaven rejoices when someone turns back to God and changes their ways.
• Value of one: The shepherd risks leaving the 99 to find one — this shows how valuable each person is.

How This Applies to You (Kenyan Context)

In Kenya, like in many places, children may feel left out at school or in the village. The parable teaches us to:

• Include classmates who are lonely — invite them to join games or groups.
• Care for people who are struggling — check on them and offer help or pray for them.
• Forgive and welcome someone who says sorry — celebrate when they change for the better.
• Value every person, whether rich or poor, city or rural, boy or girl.

Class Activities (Simple & Fun)

1. Role Play: In groups, act out the parable — one shepherd, many sheep, one lost sheep. Discuss feelings of each character.
2. Drawing: Draw a picture showing the shepherd finding the lost sheep. Write one sentence about how you would feel.
3. Group Discussion: Share a time when you helped someone or when someone helped you. How did it make you feel?
4. Memory Game: Memorise and recite the memory verse in pairs.

Questions for Practice

• Where can you find the parable of the lost sheep in the Bible?
• Why did the shepherd leave the 99 sheep to look for one lost sheep?
• What does this story tell us about God's love and care?
• Give one example of how you can show the lesson to someone at school.
• Why is it important to welcome and forgive someone who wants to return?

Class Work / Homework

1) Retell the parable in your own words (8–10 sentences).
2) Write one paragraph describing how you would help a classmate who is lonely. Include a memory verse sentence at the end.

Reflection & Short Prayer

Reflection: Think about someone who might feel left out at your school or in your neighbourhood. What small step can you take this week to help them?

Key Vocabulary

• Parable: A simple story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson.
• Repent: To say sorry for wrongdoing and turn back to doing what is right.
• Shepherd: A person who looks after sheep; Jesus used this image to describe God's care.

Further Reading

Read Luke chapter 15 and Matthew chapter 18. Ask your teacher or parent to help you find a children's Bible that tells the story with pictures.