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Psalm 23

Teacher's Guide - this is just one possible lesson plan.  Visit the Psalm 23 Bible lesson plan for further ideas to supplement this.

Introduction:

This next lesson is about Psalm 23.  Known as a psalm that comforts people it's about how David sees his relationship with God and God's relationship with him.  Even though God is our ultimate king he compares him to a shepherd leading and taking care of his sheep.  As the sheep we are under the shepherd's care and need to trust him for all our basic needs.  For more reading on how Jesus is the good shepherd refer to John 10:1-21 (also in the KJV link below).

The message:  

All Grades:  God is your shepherd and will take great care of you.

I've split this message into two separate ones depending on the age level.  For the younger children, the message is simple: God is your shepherd and will take great care of you.  For the older children, the message is the same but you could ask them to make their own message after reading the psalm.

Make sure you repeat the message many times during the lesson.  Send the Psalm 23 Take Home Sheet  home with the children to encourage parents to reiterate the message during the week.  It includes a poster at the bottom that the children can color and hang on their wall or refrigerator. 

Preview of the lesson:

Some people like to do craft time first and story time second and some like to switch it around.  I like the first option, myself.

Always consider offering the Shepherd Coloring Page or the Lamb Coloring pages for children who aren't interested in participating in the group activity (or if you get done the group activities very quickly and need something to fill in the spare time).  Everyone has a need for "alone time" once in awhile.  Also, sending home the coloring pages with the Take Home sheet provides parents with much needed help in reinforcing the lessons.  You can make a nice little booklet each week with the take home sheet on top -- I promise that most parents will appreciate the effort!