Jesus: the Good Shepherd Basic 3 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

What We Will Learn Today

• The difference between good and bad shepherds
• Why Jesus calls Himself the “Good” Shepherd
• How we can be good sheep

The Story

Jesus told people about different kinds of shepherds. There are good shepherds and bad shepherds.

Bad shepherds (called hired hands):

• Run away when wolves come
• Don’t really care about the sheep
• Only work for money
• Leave the sheep in danger

Good shepherds:

• Stay and fight to protect their sheep
• Really love and care for each sheep
• Work because they love the sheep
• Never abandon their sheep

Jesus said, “I am the GOOD Shepherd.” He wanted people to know that He is not like the bad shepherds who run away.

Here’s what makes Jesus the GOOD Shepherd:

• He never runs away from us
• He fights our enemies (sin and Satan)
• He loves us, not just our offerings
• He stays with us in trouble
• He gave His life to save us

Jesus knows the difference between His real sheep and pretend sheep. His real sheep:

• Listen to His voice
• Follow where He leads
• Trust Him completely
• Stay close to Him

When we belong to Jesus, we are His sheep and He is our Good Shepherd. We are safe because our Shepherd is good and strong.

What We Learned

• There are good shepherds and bad shepherds
• Jesus is the GOOD Shepherd who never leaves us
• Good shepherds love and protect their sheep
• We should be good sheep who listen and follow
• Jesus gave His life because He loves us

EXERCISES

1. Fill in the blanks:

1. Bad shepherds __________ away when danger comes.
2. Jesus is the __________ Shepherd.
3. Good shepherds __________ and protect their sheep.
4. Jesus’s sheep __________ to His voice.

1. Write Good or Bad:

1. A shepherd who runs away from wolves: __________
2. A shepherd who fights to protect sheep: __________
3. A shepherd who only works for money: __________
4. A shepherd who loves each sheep: __________

1. Answer these questions:

1. What do bad shepherds do when wolves come?
2. Why is Jesus called the “Good” Shepherd?
3. How do we know if we are Jesus’s sheep?
4. What did Jesus do to prove He loves us?

1. Complete the chart:

1. Think About It: Are you a good sheep? Write one way you can be a better sheep for Jesus.

Memory Verse: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” – John 10:14