In this lesson, children learn that God is like a good shepherd who cares for his people and brings them home. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God takes care of his people like a shepherd takes care of his sheep, and he always brings them back home to him.
Memory Verse
Zechariah 10:1
Ask of the LORD rain in the spring time, the LORD who makes storm clouds, and he gives rain showers to everyone for the plants in the field.
(WEB)
Ask the children to cup their hands together as if holding a little bit of rain, then slowly open their hands and wiggle their fingers down like falling raindrops. Say the verse together as they move, and repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time.
The Story: Zechariah 10 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people lived in the land of Judah. Sometimes they forgot about God and followed false teachers instead. These people told made-up dreams and said things that were not true. The people who listened to them felt lost and alone, like sheep wandering around with no one to guide them.
God saw his people and was not happy with the leaders who had let them down. He said, “I am going to care for my flock myself.” God promised to make his people strong, like a mighty horse ready for battle. He said that from his people would come every good thing they needed, like a strong cornerstone to build on.
God made another promise to bring his people home. He said, “I will gather them together, for I have rescued them.” Even people who had been scattered in faraway countries would remember God. They would come back to the land God had given them, and there would be so many of them that there would not be room enough!
God also promised to walk with his people and make them strong. He said that they would walk in his name and belong to him. God’s people did not have to be afraid, because God was the one who cared for them and kept them safe.
Read It Together
Zechariah 10:3
My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the male goats; For the LORD of Armies has visited his flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as his majestic horse in the battle.
(WEB)
Point out that God calls himself the one who visits his flock. Ask the children what it feels like when someone comes to check on them. Explain that God is like that: he never forgets his people.
Zechariah 10:6
“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them back; for I have mercy on them; and they will be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the LORD their God, and I will hear them.
(WEB)
Show the children that God says he has mercy on his people. Explain that mercy means God is kind and forgives them, even when they have wandered away. Tell them God always welcomes us back.
Zechariah 10:12
I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they will walk up and down in his name,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out that God says he will strengthen his people and that they will walk in his name. Remind the children that God helps them grow strong and that they can walk with him every day.
Talk About It
- What do you think a shepherd does to take care of his sheep?
- Why do you think the people in the story felt lost without a shepherd?
- How does it feel to know that God cares for you like a shepherd cares for his sheep?
- What is one way you can walk closer with God this week?
- Who is someone you can help feel welcomed, like God welcomes us home?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Sheep Craft
You will need a paper plate, cotton balls, glue, a marker, and scissors. Have the children glue cotton balls all over the plate to make a fluffy sheep. Then have them draw a face and four legs with the marker. As they work, talk about how God takes care of his sheep, and how the sheep can trust their shepherd.
Shepherd and Sheep Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and have everyone else be sheep. The shepherd closes their eyes, and the sheep wander around the room. Then the shepherd calls out “Come home!” and the sheep run back to them. Play a few rounds, and talk about how God always calls his people back to him.
Take-Home Rain Chart
You will need a piece of paper, crayons, and tape. Draw a simple picture of a cloud with rain falling down. Ask the children to draw one thing God gives them, like food, family, or a home. Send the chart home with the children and encourage them to show it to their family and tell them about the Good Shepherd.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to his people even when they have turned away from him. The leaders who failed the people are contrasted with God, who promises to shepherd, strengthen, and gather his flock. The chapter points forward to God’s faithfulness in gathering his people from every place they have been scattered.
Avoid overstating to children that the passage describes specific events in exact detail, since some of the imagery is symbolic and historically complex. Instead, focus on the simple truth that God cares for his people and brings them home.
A Prayer to Close
Good Shepherd, thank you for caring for us every day. Help us to listen to your voice and walk close to you. When we wander away, bring us back home to you. We love you, Lord. Amen.
