The Shepherd & His Sheep
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a powerful reminder that God exists outside of time, drawing from Scripture that a day is as a thousand years to us. The teacher highlighted God’s attributes—timelessness, omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience—using Psalms and David’s reflections on God’s constant presence. He explained that to grasp such divine mysteries, humanity often gives God humanlike qualities or employs analogies. The central illustration came from Psalm 23, where God is portrayed as a shepherd who guides, protects, and nourishes His flock, a picture that resonated throughout the discussion. The teacher then moved to the parables of Luke 15, showing how the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son each reveal God’s personal concern for every individual. He contrasted these loving images with fear‑based depictions, such as Jonathan Edwards’ sermon, underscoring that Jesus presents a generous Father who provides good gifts (Matthew 7:9‑11). Throughout, personal stories of fatherhood helped bridge the gap between ancient texts and modern experience, concluding that believers are invited to trust in God’s abundant, caring provision. The message emphasized that God not only cares for the whole flock but seeks each lost soul with relentless love. By understanding God through shepherd, parent, and generous Father imagery, participants were encouraged to reflect on how they experience God’s personal care in their lives and to respond with gratitude and trust. The class closed with an invitation to apply these truths daily, recognizing the Savior’s desire for each person to be found and celebrated.
Key Scriptures
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear him. Hearing this, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' Then Jesus told them a parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. One of them wandered off. So he left the ninety-nine on the hills and went to look for the one that was lost. After searching carefully, he found it. He put it on his shoulders, rejoicing. When he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep.'