February: Little Lambs
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"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know mejust as the Father knows me and I know the Fatherand I lay down my life for the sheep" (John:10:11-15).
Get Ready
Collect one large cotton ball for each family member. Write each persons first initial on their cotton ball "lamb" with a marker. Youll also need a picture of a shepherd. Use any picture of Jesus, a shepherd from your Nativity set or have your children draw a shepherd and cut out the picture.
Talk It Over
Week 1: The Sheep
Place each cotton ball lamb in front of its family member. Place the picture of the shepherd in the middle of your group. Talk together about what it means to you that the Good Shepherd knows you by name. As you talk, have each person put his or her lamb next to the shepherd. End your time by thanking God for loving each of you so much.
Week 2: The Shepherd
Place the shepherd and sheep together in the center of your group. Describe any "wolves" that came after you this weektemptations at school or work, family conflicts. Were there times where you felt afraid? What does it mean to you that the shepherd "lays down his life for the sheep?" As each person talks, have one parent move the shepherd next to that persons lamb. End your time by asking Jesus to show you his protection in new ways.
Week 3: The Endangered Sheep
Place the shepherd and the sheep together in the middle of your group. Ask everyone to talk about a time when they trusted someone who turned out not to be trustworthy. As each person talks, have him or her move his or her lamb away from the shepherd. Then, have another family member softly call that person by name as you move the shepherd to that sheep and bring it back to the fold. End your time by thanking God for always seeking you out and bringing you back to him.
Week 4: The One Who Knows Us
Place the shepherd and sheep where they were for Week 2. What do you think God knows about you? Are there things you dont want God to know about you? Ask each person to close his or her eyes as he or she silently gives those things to God. While everyones eyes are closed, have one parent take the shepherd figure and put it next to each persons sheep, saying, "I am the good shepherd; and I know you (name), and (name), you know me." When youre finished, thank God for knowing you and loving you so deeply.
Remember This
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John:10:11).
Karen L. Maudlin, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in family therapy. She also taught in a Montessori-based childrens worship program at her church. She and her family live in Illinois.
Originally published in: Christian Parenting Today, Page 52
More from by Karen L. Maudlin. Psy.D.:
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dominique
this is one of my Favorited verses
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