The Good Shepherd

I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.

John 10:10b (CEV)

Everyone wants to be cared for. We all want to have food, a warm bed to sleep in, and a safe home to live in. Everyone wants to be loved!

But sometimes that is hard to find in this world. Sometimes people hurt people. Sometimes they don’t know how to love, or it’s hard to show love because they are hurt.

One day, Jesus talked about being a shepherd. Taking care of sheep is an important job. Sheep need food. They need to be protected from dangerous animals and told where to go. A good shepherd loves his sheep!

Jesus said he is that good shepherd—and we are his sheep. He helps and cares for his flock. He will find us if we get lost!

It’s still hard sometimes. Our feelings and our bodies can still be hurt. Maybe you know someone who got hurt badly. Sometimes Jesus heals us right away. Sometimes he holds us and helps us through. And someday we’ll be with Jesus forever, completely healed. Either way, having Jesus as your shepherd is a wonderful life. You are loved!

HERO TRAINING

Jesus is the good shepherd and we are his sheep. Draw a picture of a sheep, and put it somewhere in your room as a reminder of how Jesus, your shepherd, loves and cares for you!

GOD'S WONDERFUL WORLD

People raise sheep all over the world. China has the most sheep—about 175 million!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help expand your children's Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 23:1–4

Ezekiel 34:15–16a

John 15:9–10

Revelation 7:17

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Tonia Gutting wrote this devotional for the Hero Squad Program of the American Bible Society. Hero Squad provides complimentary faith-based resources to strengthen and encourage military families through God’s Word. For more information or to enroll your military family, check out our website.www.myherosquad.org.