Jesus Lead Us

Central Teaching Truth
When life is unfair, God will help us through.

Bible Text
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die, and no one can steal them out of my hand (John 10:27-28).

Resources
You’ll need three or four blindfolds and several objects to set up a small obstacle course. Ask one or two adult assistants to help you set up the course. Alternatively, blindfold everyone and lead them about the church.

What to do/ say

1. As you begin your message, have your assistants set up an obstacle course in front of the area where the children sit.
2. "Has anyone here ever gone through an obstacle course?" Let children respond.
3. "Obstacle courses are used to train soldiers to run fast and to be quick and alert when they’re on the battlefield. We’ve set up a little obstacle course here today." Describe the course you’ve set up.
4. "Could I have three or four volunteers to try my obstacle course?" Choose three or four children. Let them begin the course and then stop them.
5. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. You have to do this obstacle course blindfolded. But don’t worry, I’ll lead you." Have the volunteers hold hands. Then lead them through the obstacle course. Other children may call out directions or encouragement.
6. When children have completed the course, remove their blindfolds and have them sit down. "There, we made it! Congratulations!" Lead children in applause for volunteers.

Debrief

1. "What would have happened if the blindfolded volunteers had to go through the obstacle course without a leader?" Let children respond.
2. "Without a leader, they might have stumbled and fallen. The Bible says Jesus leads us like a shepherd leads sheep. Listen." Read the scripture text from John 10:27-28.
3. "When we’re following Jesus, we can’t always see what’s up ahead. Sometimes things may seem difficult and even unfair, but Jesus will always lead us, just like I led our brave volunteers."
4. "Of course, what happens in real life is a bit different from our obstacle course. When we’re following Jesus, we don’t reach the end of the obstacle course until we get to heaven. Yet, no matter how many obstacles are in our way, Jesus will always lead us through."