For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
Zechariah was a messenger for God. In this part he shows us a picture of a Shepherd who loves His sheep, even when the sheep turn away.
Today's Story
God told Zechariah to act out a picture, so the people could see it with their own eyes.
“Be a shepherd,” God said. “Take care of the sheep.”
So Zechariah became a shepherd. He picked up two shepherd's staffs — long sticks that help a shepherd guide and guard the sheep. He named one staff Kindness and the other one Together. With those two staffs he led the sheep gently. He fed them. He kept the bad, hungry animals away. He watched over them day and night.
But here is the sad part. The sheep would not follow. They wandered off. They grumbled. They did not want this good shepherd who loved them.
So the shepherd said, “If you do not want me, then pay me whatever you think I am worth.” And they counted out thirty silver coins — a small, sad price for a good shepherd.
It was a picture with a big meaning. One day God would send the very best Shepherd of all — gentle, kind, full of love. Some people would turn away from Him too. But God was telling them, long before it happened, that His love was on its way.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- A shepherd keeps the sheep safe and fed. Who are the grown-ups who help keep you safe and fed every day?
- The good shepherd kept loving the sheep even when they wandered away. Have you ever felt loved even after you made a wrong choice? What was that like?
- If you were a shepherd, what would you do to take good care of your sheep?