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The Parable of the Lost Sheep Free Lessons, Crafts, and Activities

We’re so glad you’re here to explore this special resource on The Parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:1-7. This heartwarming Bible story, where Jesus shares about a shepherd’s relentless search for his lost sheep, beautifully shows God’s amazing love for each of us. Whether you’re a parent, a Sunday School teacher, a children’s service leaders, home schoolers, Vacation Bible camps, or simply someone who loves sharing God’s Word, this resource is designed to help you bring this story to life for kids in a fun, meaningful way!

Quick Reference (click the link to go to that section of the web page)

“The whole Christ seeks after each sinner, and when the Lord finds it, He gives Himself to that one soul as if He had but that one soul to bless.”

— C. H. Spurgeon

Video: The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Craft Stick Bible Story)

Jesus’ followers argue about which of them is the greatest. A religious leader complains that Jesus spends time with sinful people. What does Jesus do? He teaches them all about God’s love by telling them the parable of the lost sheep.

The Craft Stick Bible Stories, our cinematic 5-10 minute video series where craft stick puppets and cardboard sets tell the timeless stories of Scripture. Packed with faith, fun, and creativity, this series has delighted kids, families, and Sunday School classrooms in over 50 countries!

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3 Free Parable of the Lost Sheep Lessons

Lesson 1: Jesus Seeks the Lost with Relentless Love

Jesus pursues every lost soul with unwavering love, like a shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine safe sheep to find one that has strayed, carrying it home with joy, showing children that no matter how far they wander, Jesus’ love is always near to guide them back to safety with forgiveness and care (John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”). This lesson teaches that Jesus knows us personally and will never give up on us, offering a comforting reminder that His love is stronger than any misdeed.

Discussion Questions

  1. How does it make you feel to know Jesus searches for you like a shepherd looks for a lost sheep?
  2. Why do you think Jesus cares so much about every single person, even those who feel far from Him?
  3. Can you think of a time when you felt lost or alone, and how might Jesus have been looking for you?

Lesson 2: God Uses Many Ways to Bring Sinners Home

God tirelessly uses various methods, like kind words, loving people, or challenges, to draw sinners back to Him, just as a shepherd searches for a lost sheep, teaching that God is patient and creative in reaching us, celebrating with joy when we return to Him (2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”). This encourages us to recognize God’s presence in our lives through everyday moments and to trust His patient pursuit. [Source: Henry, Matthew, Commentary on Luke 15:1-7.] 

Discussion Questions for Lesson 2

  1. What are some ways God might try to reach someone who doesn’t know Him yet?
  2. Why do you think God is so patient with people who need to repent?
  3. How can we help others learn about God’s love, like the shepherd finding the lost sheep?

Lesson 3: God Persists Even When We Resist

Even when people resist or choose to stray, God’s grace persists, as the shepherd searches for a sheep that doesn’t know it needs help, comforting us that Jesus will never stop seeking us, offering love and forgiveness no matter our misdeeds (Ezekiel 34:11 – “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them”). This lesson reassures us that God’s love remains steadfast, encouraging us to respond to His call by seeking Him when we feel lost.

Discussion Questions for Lesson 3

  1. Why might someone want to “stay lost” like the sheep in the parable, and how does Jesus respond?
  2. How can we trust Jesus to keep looking for us even when we make mistakes?
  3. What can we do when we feel like we’re straying from God to let Him find us?

3 Parable of the Lost Sheep Craft Activities

Craft 1: Lost Sheep Mobile

What You Need: White cotton balls, black construction paper, string, glue, scissors, markers, small paper plate, googly eyes.

  1. Cut out a sheep shape from black construction paper and glue cotton balls on it to create a fluffy body.
  2. Add googly eyes and draw a face with markers.
  3. Cut out a small shepherd figure from paper and color it.
  4. Glue the sheep and shepherd to opposite sides of the paper plate.
  5. Punch two holes in the plate, tie string through them, and hang as a mobile.

Why It Helps: The mobile shows the sheep and shepherd together, reminding children of Jesus’ pursuit and joy in finding the lost, reinforcing the theme of God’s love.

Craft 2: Shepherd’s Staff Bookmark

What You Need: Brown pipe cleaners, cardstock, markers, scissors, tape.

  1. Cut cardstock into a long strip (2” x 8”) to form the bookmark base.
  2. Twist a brown pipe cleaner into a shepherd’s staff shape (a straight line with a curved top).
  3. Tape the pipe cleaner staff to the cardstock strip.
  4. Decorate the bookmark with drawings of sheep or the memory verse.
  5. Use it to mark the parable in a Bible or book.

Why It Helps: The staff represents the shepherd’s care and guidance, helping children connect the tool to Jesus’ role in leading them back to safety.

Craft 3: Rejoicing Heart Collage

What You Need: Red and pink construction paper, glue, scissors, markers, glitter, stickers.

  1. Cut red construction paper into a large heart shape.
  2. Cut smaller hearts from pink paper and write words like “joy,” “love,” or “repentance” on them.
  3. Glue the smaller hearts onto the large heart to create a collage effect.
  4. Decorate with glitter, stickers, or markers to represent heaven’s joy.

Why It Helps: The heart collage symbolizes the joy in heaven over a repentant sinner, encouraging children to reflect on God’s love and celebration.

Printable Puppets and Coloring Page

Free Parable of the Lost Sheep Printable Puppets

Free Parable of the Lost Sheep Coloring Page

Bonus Content

Memory Verse

“I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance.” — Luke 15:7

Tip: Practice by writing the verse on a paper sheep cutout and repeating it aloud while decorating it, then hang it somewhere visible to review daily.

Fun Fact About the Story

In Jesus’ time, shepherds in Judea had a deeply personal relationship with their sheep, often giving each one a unique name based on its appearance or behavior, like a distinctive mark or a quirky habit. This made losing a sheep not just a practical loss but a personal one, as the shepherd knew exactly which sheep was missing—perhaps one with a black spot on its ear or a limp from a past injury.

The terrain they searched was often rugged, with rocky hills and dangerous valleys, making the shepherd’s journey to find a lost sheep a risky and exhausting task. This vivid imagery would have struck Jesus’ audience, who understood the value of each sheep and the effort it took to retrieve one, emphasizing how Jesus knows each person intimately and pursues them with the same personal, sacrificial care, no matter the cost or difficulty.

Bible Verses for Further Study

  • John 10:14-15: Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them, connecting to His personal care in the parable.
  • Isaiah 53:6: This verse compares people to sheep who have gone astray, emphasizing our need for a shepherd to bring us back to God.
  • Psalm 23:1-3: Describes God as a shepherd who leads and restores, reinforcing the theme of God’s guidance and care for His flock.
  • Matthew 18:12-14: A parallel account of the parable, highlighting God’s desire that no one, especially the “little ones,” should be lost.

Parable of the Lost Sheep Story Summary

In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus illustrates God’s relentless love and pursuit of those who have strayed from Him, using the image of a shepherd who leaves his ninety-nine safe sheep to search for one that is lost. When he finds it, he joyfully carries it home on his shoulders and calls his friends to celebrate, reflecting the joy in heaven over a single sinner’s repentance.

This story, told to a mixed crowd of sinners and judgmental Pharisees, reveals three key lessons: Jesus’ unwavering commitment to seeking the lost, God’s use of diverse methods to draw sinners back, and His persistent grace even when people resist. These themes invite children to understand their value to God, trust in His guidance, and embrace His love that never gives up.

Good Words to Know

  • Shepherd: A person who cares for and protects sheep, like Jesus cares for people.
  • Repentance: Turning away from sin and returning to God with a changed heart.
  • Rejoice: To feel or show great joy and celebration.
  • Sinner: Someone who has done wrong and needs God’s forgiveness.
  • Flock: A group of sheep cared for by a shepherd, like God’s people.

References

  • The Bible, Luke 15:1-7.
  • Spurgeon, C. H., “The Parable of the Lost Sheep,” Sermon #1801, delivered September 28, 1884, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 30.
  • Henry, Matthew, Commentary on Luke 15:1-7.
  • St. Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 46 on Pastors, CCL 41, 541-542.

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