Bible Study –Fourth Sunday of Easter – “My Sheep Hear My Voice”
Share: Your highs (something that made you happy) and lows (something that made you sad) this week with others around you or write them down.
"Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again." An astounding discovery! The Easter news was spread to all who would listen. The disciples told people, who in turn, told people, and to this day, we hear the message — a message of weeping and then of joy that comes with the morning of a new day. We too like the disciples weep AND then delight in the joy bursting forth in us. We, too, are called to bring this message with our lives, and, if necessary, with words, to those who have not yet heard it.
The voice of Jesus can be hard to hear in the halls of institutions and in the noise of our hectic lives. When we listen attentively we may hear his voice. Then we discover to our awe and delight that he knows each of us by name. He has chosen us and will not give us up. Jesus waits to see if we will choose to follow him.
Theme: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Have you ever seen sheep grazing in a field and a shepherd caring for the sheep? If you have, think about what you have noticed. We sometimes act like sheep. Who are the people who "shepherd," take care of, us?
Opening Prayer: Loving God, help us to hear your voice and to follow you. Be with us as we listen to your word that we might know you better. Amen.
Please open your Bibles to John 11:22-30 and read or read the scriptures below.
John 10:22-30
Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication[a] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[b]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
Questions: (See the answers below.)
- Why do you think that the Jewish leaders did not recognize that Jesus was the Messiah? )
- How else could we say, "The works I do in my Father's name testify to me?"
- Why do you think Jesus refers to his followers as "sheep?"
- What is Jesus declaring to the leaders in verse 29?
- Why do you think the leaders were so threatened by Jesus saying: "The Father and I are one?"
Bible Memory Verse: John 10:28 - I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Click here for the young learner’s lesson.
Videos (Click on url)
The Sheep Listen - John 10: 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XzgdwhFxOw or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTdAV1CNfOI
Gospel of John Summary: A Complete Animated Overview Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-2e9mMf7E8
Song: He’s Got The Whole World In His Hand – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T1CLlMjiTw
Activities:
A word - Choose which words to translate into your icon for the day. It could be something like actions speak louder than words, a parallel for sheep that follow, or Jesus and God working together. Then using your art supplies, develop your icons. You can create a bookmark icon if you would like.
Design an icon for your word. (Click on website for examples of icons https://www.pinterest.com/pin/613474780515466195/)
Palm Print – You will need a piece of poster board and finger paint. Place your hand in the finger paint and gently place it on the poster to make a print. Write in large, bright lettering “NOTHING CAN TAKE US OUT OF JESUS HAND”. Then write Psalm 23rd below on the poster.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Guaranteed Forever - Crossword: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/guaranteed-forever-1
His Hands - Decoder: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/his-hands-decoder
His Hands - Word Search: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/his-hands-word-search
His Hands – Cryptogram: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/his-hands-cryptogram
Prayer: Thank you, God, for choosing us and not giving up on us. Help us to hear you as you call our name. Amen.
Answers to the above questions:
- Why do you think that the Jewish leaders did not recognize that Jesus was the Messiah? (Some were afraid they would lose their powerful positions. Jesus had not come the way they understood the Bible to say he would come.)
- How else could we say, "The works I do in my Father's name testify to me?" (Actions speak louder than words, watch what I do to see what I mean, etc.)
- Why do you think Jesus refers to his followers as "sheep?" (They are being pulled in different directions by different leaders, but they trust Jesus.)
- What is Jesus declaring to the leaders in verse 29? (Those who follow Jesus will always belong to Jesus.)
- Why do you think the leaders were so threatened by Jesus saying: "The Father and I are one?" (If you do not believe Jesus is who he says he is, how could he be "one" with the Father?)
Bible Study –Fourth Sunday of Easter – “My Sheep Hear My Voice”
Share: Your highs (something that made you happy) and lows (something that made you sad) this week with others around you or write them down.
"Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again." An astounding discovery! The Easter news was spread to all who would listen. The disciples told people, who in turn, told people, and to this day, we hear the message — a message of weeping and then of joy that comes with the morning of a new day. We too like the disciples weep AND then delight in the joy bursting forth in us. We, too, are called to bring this message with our lives, and, if necessary, with words, to those who have not yet heard it.
The voice of Jesus can be hard to hear in the halls of institutions and in the noise of our hectic lives. When we listen attentively we may hear his voice. Then we discover to our awe and delight that he knows each of us by name. He has chosen us and will not give us up. Jesus waits to see if we will choose to follow him.
Theme: Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church
Have you ever seen sheep grazing in a field and a shepherd caring for the sheep? If you have, think about what you have noticed. We sometimes act like sheep. Who are the people who "shepherd," take care of, us?
Opening Prayer: Loving God, help us to hear your voice and to follow you. Be with us as we listen to your word that we might know you better. Amen.
Please open your Bibles to John 11:22-30 and read or read the scriptures below.
John 10:22-30
Further Conflict Over Jesus’ Claims
22 Then came the Festival of Dedication[a] at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all[b]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
Questions: (See the answers below.)
- Why do you think that the Jewish leaders did not recognize that Jesus was the Messiah? )
- How else could we say, "The works I do in my Father's name testify to me?"
- Why do you think Jesus refers to his followers as "sheep?"
- What is Jesus declaring to the leaders in verse 29?
- Why do you think the leaders were so threatened by Jesus saying: "The Father and I are one?"
Bible Memory Verse: John 10:28 - I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Click here for the young learner’s lesson.
Videos (Click on url)
The Sheep Listen - John 10: 22 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XzgdwhFxOw or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTdAV1CNfOI
Gospel of John Summary: A Complete Animated Overview Part 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-2e9mMf7E8
Song: He’s Got The Whole World In His Hand – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T1CLlMjiTw
Activities:
A word - Choose which words to translate into your icon for the day. It could be something like actions speak louder than words, a parallel for sheep that follow, or Jesus and God working together. Then using your art supplies, develop your icons. You can create a bookmark icon if you would like.
Design an icon for your word. (Click on website for examples of icons https://www.pinterest.com/pin/613474780515466195/)
Palm Print – You will need a piece of poster board and finger paint. Place your hand in the finger paint and gently place it on the poster to make a print. Write in large, bright lettering “NOTHING CAN TAKE US OUT OF JESUS HAND”. Then write Psalm 23rd below on the poster.
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Guaranteed Forever - Crossword: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/guaranteed-forever-1
His Hands - Decoder: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/his-hands-decoder
His Hands - Word Search: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/his-hands-word-search
His Hands – Cryptogram: https://sermons4kids.com/activities/his-hands-cryptogram
Prayer: Thank you, God, for choosing us and not giving up on us. Help us to hear you as you call our name. Amen.
Answers to the above questions:
- Why do you think that the Jewish leaders did not recognize that Jesus was the Messiah? (Some were afraid they would lose their powerful positions. Jesus had not come the way they understood the Bible to say he would come.)
- How else could we say, "The works I do in my Father's name testify to me?" (Actions speak louder than words, watch what I do to see what I mean, etc.)
- Why do you think Jesus refers to his followers as "sheep?" (They are being pulled in different directions by different leaders, but they trust Jesus.)
- What is Jesus declaring to the leaders in verse 29? (Those who follow Jesus will always belong to Jesus.)
- Why do you think the leaders were so threatened by Jesus saying: "The Father and I are one?" (If you do not believe Jesus is who he says he is, how could he be "one" with the Father?)
