Discovering the sheer delight in my children’s eyes when they experience the thrill of a successful search and the happiness of finding something lost is truly priceless. This heartwarming experience perfectly encapsulates why teaching the Parable of the Good Shepherd from Luke 15 remains a cherished activity in our home. When sharing this powerful story, I often emphasize the Good Shepherd’s unwavering dedication, his tireless search, and his relentless pursuit of the one missing sheep. It’s a beautiful image of devotion and care, culminating in the joyous moment of reunion. As the scripture beautifully states:
“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’”
Luke 15:6 (ESV)
However, in my focus on the search and the potential loss, I sometimes overlook the profound emphasis God places on the celebration of what is found. Luke 15, in its entirety, is a chapter brimming with the theme of celebration upon recovery. Each of the three parables within – the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son – culminates not just in finding what was lost, but in exuberant rejoicing. Perhaps the most resonant example of this is the return of the prodigal son, where the father orchestrates a grand celebration:
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15: 22-24 (ESV)
Inspired by this message of celebration, we decided to bring the parable to life for our children. Earlier in the week, we embarked on a fun craft project, creating adorable sheep figures. These weren’t just for display; they were the stars of an upcoming adventure – a lost sheep hunt and a subsequent celebration!
Handmade sheep crafts for a Lost Sheep Parable activity
To amplify the joy, we invited our neighbors to join our special day. After hiding the handcrafted sheep around our yard, the children eagerly set off on their search. The air was filled with excited shouts and laughter as they scoured every corner, embodying the shepherd’s determined search.
Children searching for hidden sheep in a yard
A child excitedly holding a found sheep during a game
Once all the lost sheep were triumphantly recovered, it was time to celebrate good times! We transformed our backyard into a party zone, complete with festive plates, delicious cupcakes, refreshing juice boxes, and, of course, the perfect celebratory anthem – “Celebrate Good Times, Come On” playing on repeat. The children danced, cheered, and reveled in the joy of the found sheep, truly grasping the spirit of the parable.
A celebration party with cupcakes and festive decorations after a sheep hunt
Children enjoying cupcakes and juice boxes at a celebration
Kids dancing and celebrating while "Celebrate Good Times" song plays
The impact of this lesson extended beyond our backyard celebration. The very next day, during a family trip to the zoo, an unexpected moment brought the parable into sharp focus once more. As we were leaving the carousel, my attention was drawn to a lady’s t-shirt. It read, “He left the 99 to come and find me.” The words struck me deeply, and tears welled up as I quietly read the message aloud. My children, noticing my emotion, were immediately curious. Chip, with his characteristic enthusiasm, exclaimed, “So that’s the lost sheep! Can we ask her name?”
While a part of me wanted to explain then and there that the message applied to everyone – that we are all like lost sheep at times, in need of finding – I paused. I realized the power in allowing him to arrive at that understanding on his own, to personally grasp the immense love and inclusiveness of God’s grace. As we left the zoo, Banks, still processing the encounter, remarked in awe, “I just can’t believe we saw the lost sheep!” It was, indeed, a truly meaningful day, filled with lessons of finding, celebrating, and recognizing the wider implications of the Good Shepherd’s love in our everyday lives, all underscored by the joyful rhythm of our “Celebrate Good Times Song.”
