My First Bible Stories (Stories Jesus Told): The Lost Sheep
What’s inside...
The story of The Lost Sheep conveys the Christian belief that however lost and insignificant you may feel, God loves you. It is the story of the shepherd who leaves his flock of sheep to rescue a lone animal who is lost and who wants to be found. It's a tale of redemption which celebrates those who admit their wrongdoing and want to be forgiven. This book relates one of parables from the New Testament, retold simply and clearly, ensuring it's the perfect first introduction for young children to Jesus' much-loved stories.Beautifully illustrated, the picture book approach means the story can be read to the child but can also be enjoyed by children on their own as their reading skills develop. Next steps at the back of the book encourage further discussion and there's a rhyme for children to join in with and lots to spot.
Why read this book
- Engaging biblical stories for young readers.
- Beautiful illustrations enhance comprehension and enjoyment.
- Teaches values of kindness and forgiveness.
- Ideal for bedtime stories and family discussions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the shepherd went looking for the one lost sheep when he already had ninety-nine others?
How do you think the sheep felt when it was lost and when it was found?
What would you do if you were the shepherd?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone who was lost or in trouble?
What do you think this story teaches us about how we should treat others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by relating the story to everyday situations, like when a favorite toy is misplaced and the relief when it is found.
Encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in the sheep’s situation or the shepherd's, promoting a deeper connection to the story.
Use expressive reading, changing your tone for different parts of the story to keep your child engaged and enhance their understanding of emotions in the story.
After reading, consider role-playing parts of the story, allowing your child to enact the roles of the shepherd or sheep, deepening their understanding through action.
Praise your child's insights during the discussion, affirming their capacity to understand and empathize with the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and caring
Explanation: The story of 'The Lost Sheep' teaches children about the shepherd’s deep care and relentless pursuit for his lost sheep, highlighting the importance of caring for every individual.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to show kindness and concern for their peers who may feel left out or isolated, ensuring everyone feels valued and included.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The shepherd's determination to find his lost sheep demonstrates the importance of not giving up, even when faced with challenging situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in solving problems or completing difficult tasks at school or in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story conveys that each sheep is important to the shepherd, teaching children that everyone has responsibilities towards those they care about.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking responsibility for their actions and looking after their belongings and the people around them.
Example Lesson: The joy of reunion
Explanation: The happiness of the shepherd upon finding the lost sheep highlights the joy found in reuniting and making amends.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to make amends and rebuild friendships after disagreements or misunderstandings.