Read Luke 15:1–7 in your chosen translation. Everything below is original teaching commentary by Living Letters, not a Bible quotation. Suggested ages and timings can be adapted.
THE LEARNING GOAL
Retell the three main movements of the parable and identify the reason for joy in Jesus’ explanation.
Open the conversation
Hide a paper sheep in an easy, safe place. After it is found, ask how searching and finding feel different.
Read and notice
Luke introduces the story with people drawing near to hear Jesus and others complaining that he welcomes sinners. This setting matters. The parable answers a criticism about welcome, so read the first two verses before beginning the sheep activity.
The shepherd has one hundred sheep and loses one. He searches until he finds it, carries it back, and calls others to rejoice. Young learners can follow the movement from loss to search to celebration without needing elaborate props.
Jesus connects the joy in the story with repentance. Do not reduce the lesson to finding a misplaced object, although that can help introduce the emotion. Return to the people in the opening scene and discuss why welcoming someone back can be a reason for joy.
Explore together
Fold paper into three panels labeled Lost, Found, and Joy. Draw the story, then add a sentence explaining the connection Jesus makes in verse 7.
Questions worth asking
Invite learners to answer from the passage first. Open a suggested answer when you are ready to discuss it.
1. What complaint comes before the parable?
Suggested answer
Some object that Jesus receives sinners and eats with them (verses 1–2).
2. What does the shepherd do after finding the sheep?
Suggested answer
He carries it on his shoulders and calls friends and neighbors to rejoice (verses 5–6).
3. What does Jesus say brings joy in heaven?
Suggested answer
A sinner repenting (verse 7).
Inside the activity pack
- Word search
- Find six key words, then point to where they connect with the reading.
- Matching
- Connect four names, objects, or ideas with clues and references.
- Flashcards
- Review the same four connections aloud or with a partner.
- Missing words
- Complete a short review of the teaching notes. This exercise uses commentary, not a Scripture quotation.
Use one activity or all four. For younger learners, read instructions aloud and work together. For older groups, ask for evidence from the passage before showing answers.
Published November 10, 2026 · Living Letters · Editorial approach · Suggest a correction