Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (2 minutes)

Hi there! This is our last lesson on “A Giant Adventure,” the story of David and Goliath. Why was David able to kill Goliath?

He trusted in God. And with God, everything is possible! That’s why we need to put our faith in Him—He can do anything! Let’s all stand up and sing The Salvation Poem. As we sing, let’s really think about what the words mean. Jesus loves us so much that He came to be our friend, to teach us how to live, and to take the punishment for our sin by dying on the cross. Then He rose again so we can have new life when we put our trust in Him!

Play Video 7: (Song) The Salvation Poem (3 minutes)

*Note: Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.

The Salvation Poem

SuperTruth and Discussion (2 minutes)

If you would like to ask Jesus into your heart, be sure to talk to me or your Small Group leader. That is the most important decision you will ever make in your life! When we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, He lives inside us by His Holy Spirit, giving us His power and wisdom and protection! That’s why today’s SuperTruth says, “Jesus will guide me and protect me.” We will learn about how Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He loves us so much that He wants to lead us away from evil, to show us the best path to take, and to give us courage to face any problems we may encounter in our lives.

Introduce Condensed Bible Story Video (2 minutes)

If all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.

In our first “Giant Adventure” video, we saw how Chris was afraid to audition for the band. Instead of facing his fear, Chris ran away. But after meeting David, Chris realized God was with him! Did that change how Chris felt?

Chris faced his fear and auditioned for the band. In today’s video, we’ll learn that many people—even David’s own brothers—doubted him. But that didn’t stop David. Now for the children who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version of the video. If you’ve already seen it, then this time as you watch, try to find all the ways that this story points to Jesus! Take a look.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (9 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo to meet a shepherd boy named David. Goliath challenges anyone in the Israelite army to fight him, but all are afraid—except David, who trusts God and slays the giant Philistine. Chris realizes that when we trust God, we can conquer every fear.

Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic 3

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 3

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

Let’s say our SuperVerse, John 10:27, together:

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.

Introduce Signposts Video (1 minute)

Several things in the life of David are similar to the life of Jesus. These similarities point to Jesus like a signpost. Let’s dig deeper by watching our Signposts Video.

Play Video 6: Signposts (3 minutes)

Signposts Video

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray. Dear Lord Jesus, we praise You for being our Good Shepherd and staying close beside us all the time—day and night. Help us remember to call on You whenever we need wisdom, power and courage. Thank You that nothing is impossible when we trust in You! Amen.

In your small groups today, you’ll play a game about following the Shepherd’s voice. Enjoy yourselves!

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Game

Select a “Good Shepherd” and a “Stranger” whose voices can sound similar—ideally older children or sixth grade helpers who are good readers. Have them stand at the back of the room, behind the class. Give them each a copy of The Shepherd Says Sheet, and show them which lines to read. They should pause after reading each line as points are given to teams.

Divide the rest of the class into two “flocks of sheep”—teams. Have them stand on opposite sides of the room, with their backs to the Good Shepherd and Stranger. You and an assistant should each watch one flock and give points as the game is played. A point is scored for each sheep in a flock that mistakenly follows the Stranger’s directions. For larger classes, you may give just one point—not multiple points—per team when sheep follow the Stranger.

That was an interesting Signposts Video about Psalm 23! Do you think sheep will follow anyone who calls them?

Let’s read what Jesus says about that. Read John 10:3–5:

“The sheep know their shepherd’s voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out. When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. The sheep will not follow strangers. They don’t recognize a stranger’s voice, and they run away.”

Why won’t the sheep follow a stranger? They don’t know his voice.

Let’s play Shepherd Says, which is similar to Simon Says with some important changes. You are the sheep divided into two flocks. Sheep, turn around and look at the two children in the back of the room. Children turn and look. One is the Good Shepherd and one is a Stranger pretending to be a shepherd. You will not be allowed to look at them during the game. You will only hear their voices and then decide if you should obey that voice or not! Sheep, look forward now, and don’t be tempted to peek! Children face forward.

Good Shepherd, please introduce yourself so the sheep can hear and know your voice. The Good Shepherd says, I am the Good Shepherd; follow me! Stranger, please introduce yourself. The Stranger says, I am the Stranger; follow me!

Sheep, be careful—the Stranger wants to trick you! Both the Good Shepherd and the Stranger will start their commands with the same words: “The Shepherd says.” This is a key difference from the normal game of Simon Says. When you hear each command, you must decide if it is the Good Shepherd’s voice OR the Stranger’s voice. If it is the Good Shepherd, obey the command. But if it is the Stranger, you must stay perfectly still! If you make a mistake and obey the Stranger, you’ll get a point. And whichever flock gets the FEWEST points wins! Are you ready, sheep? If you are, shout, BAAAAAAA! Baaaaaa!

The Shepherd and Stranger read their lines in order. Count up the points and declare which flock wins with the fewest points. You sheep did a good job knowing whom to follow! The more we spend time with the Lord by reading His Word and praying, the better we can recognize His voice speaking in our hearts!

Teaching

Our SuperVerse, John 10:27, says:

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”

Hold up a toy lamb or point to the sheep pictures on the wall.

Of all the animals in the world, why do you think God calls us sheep?

How do you think people are like sheep? 

We may not look or sound like sheep, but we need food, water and protection—and sometimes we wander away and get into trouble.

Have children look up Psalm 23 in their Bibles for the following discussion.

David wrote Psalm 23 about how God was his shepherd. Many of his words are signposts pointing to the day when Jesus would be OUR Good Shepherd! Let’s look at three of these signposts today.

Let’s go to SHEEP #1. Have a child lift the flap and read the question aloud.Who is our Shepherd?

Have a child read Psalm 23:1 out loud.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

Who does David say is his Shepherd? The Lord.

This is a signpost to Jesus being our Shepherd. In John 10:11 and 14, Jesus proclaims,

“I am the Good Shepherd.”

David, the shepherd boy, eventually became the king of Israel. In the Old Testament, the book of Ezekiel was written many years after David died, but also many years before Jesus was born. It has this great promise from God. Read Ezekiel 34:23 cev:

After that, I will give you a shepherd from the family of My servant King David. All of you, both strong and weak, will have the same shepherd, and He will take good care of you.

This prophecy pointed to Jesus coming into the world to be our Shepherd! The verse also prophesied that Jesus would be a descendant of David! That was fulfilled, too. Let me read the very first verse of the New Testament. Read Matthew 1:1:

This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David.

Now let’s go to SHEEP #2. Have a different child go to the second sheep, lift the flap, and read the question. What does a Shepherd provide?

Have three children each read one verse of Psalm 23:1–3:

¹The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.²He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams.
³He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.

What does a shepherd supply? All I need, green meadows, food, rest, streams, guidance.

This is another signpost pointing to Jesus as our Shepherd.

David writes that his shepherd leads him along the right path to find rest, food and strength in green meadows and beside peaceful streams. Hold up water and grass. In John 10:9, Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, promises that His sheep will find good pastures. He will also give us spiritual water. Read John 4:14:

“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

Aren’t these wonderful promises? When we follow Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we have all we need—here on Earth and forever in heaven!

Let’s go to SHEEP #3. Have another child go to the last sheep, lift the flap, and read the question aloud. How much does a Shepherd love the sheep?

Have a child read Psalm 23:4:

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

A shepherd is willing to risk his life for the flock. David felt safe and protected in times of danger. In 1 Samuel 17:34–36, David told King Saul how he protected his flock from bears and lions. Sheep are comforted knowing they are watched over and protected.

This is a signpost to Jesus. Read John 10:11:

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices His life for the sheep.”

Jesus died on the cross to save us from the penalty of death for our sin! How wonderful to know that our Good Shepherd loves us so much that He died for us, and He watches over us all the days of our lives. Psalm 23 is one of the most famous chapters in the entire Bible. Whenever you hear the words, remember how Jesus is our Good Shepherd!

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

A shepherd protects his sheep from danger. One of the ways our Good Shepherd protects us is by giving us spiritual armor found in Ephesians 6. How many of you have been working on your Invisible Armor challenge?

Have extra copies of the Invisible Armor Booklet available for those who were absent.

Can anyone name all the pieces of the Armor of God? Allow children to try to name them.

God wants us to put on this armor and use it every day!

SuperVerse

Have children look up and read aloud John 10:27:

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”

Was Jesus really talking about sheep? No.

Many times, the Bible refers to people as sheep.

Jesus said in John 10:14,

“I am the good shepherd; I know My own sheep, and they know Me.”

When we believe in Jesus, He is the Shepherd and we are His sheep! Today, we are going to act out our SuperVerse to help us memorize it.

Divide the class into groups of about four children each. Have the groups take a few minutes to memorize the verse and decide how to act it out. Then have each group “perform” the verse for the class.

Prayer

For our prayer time today, we will use the first part of Psalm 23, a beautiful poem David wrote. Perhaps he may have written this psalm when he was out in the fields with his sheep. As I read, close your eyes and imagine you are out there, too.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows.
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me.

As we have been learning today, we are Jesus’ sheep—He is our Good Shepherd and will provide all we need! Do you have a special need to bring to the Good Shepherd today? Do you need strength in a situation? Are you afraid or nervous about something? The Good Shepherd is here to provide, protect and comfort you because He loves you and sacrificed His life for you! Let’s take a minute to silently pray to Jesus about a special need you may have today.

Allow a minute for children to pray and then close in prayer.

Let’s pray: Dear Lord Jesus, we praise You for being our Good Shepherd. You care for all of our needs and protect us from danger. Please give us Your strength and help us follow in Your paths. Thank You for staying close beside us forever. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Guiding Game

Place both towels, pillow cases, or cloths at one end of the room, about 6 feet apart. Mark or tape a starting line about 15–20 feet from the towels. Give each child a piece of paper to wad up in a ball or a cotton ball, representing a sheep. Divide the class into two teams.

For this game, find someone you don’t know very well on your team to be your partner. Have both teams line up in pairs behind the starting line. Let’s shout our SuperTruth together:

“Jesus will guide me and protect me.” That was good, but let’s shout the SuperVerse, John 10:27, even louder:

“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”

Psalm 23:2–3 tells us that the shepherd will guide the sheep to green meadows and peaceful streams of water. For each pair, one of you will be the sheep and the other will be the shepherd! The green towel is a green meadow. The blue towel is a peaceful stream. First you will walk to the green meadow and place one of your paper sheep in it to eat some grass. Then you will go to the blue stream and put your other paper sheep in it to drink some water. Don’t worry; it is very shallow so the sheep won’t drown! Now, that doesn’t sound hard does it?

Hold up the blindfolds.

Well, it gets a little harder because the sheep will be blindfolded! The sheep must be guided on the right path by the shepherd’s voice. Hand a blindfold to the first pair on each team. When I say go, the shepherds of each team will guide the blindfolded sheep to the green meadow using only their voices. The sheep puts one of your paper sheep into the meadow without peeking. Then the shepherd will guide the sheep to the blue stream, and you must put the other paper sheep into it without peeking. The sheep must stay in the meadow or stream! If some roll out during the game, the blindfolded sheep must fix them, guided only by the shepherd’s instructions!

The shepherd will then guide the blindfolded sheep back to the line, where you will hand your blindfold to the next pair. The first team to successfully place all of their sheep in the meadow and the stream wins!

Play another round and have the pairs play the opposite role.

That was really fun. Jesus is our Good Shepherd; and He will guide us on the right paths to protect us and provide all that we need! All we have to do is listen and follow!

Object Lesson

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “Jesus will guide me and protect me.” David wrote about this guidance and protection in Psalm 23. Read Psalm 23:4:

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me. Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.

In this verse, David, the shepherd, talks about two important tools a shepherd carries. He likened these tools to God’s care of him. They are still used by shepherds today to guide and protect their sheep. Do you remember why David chose not to use Saul’s armor? Too heavy, not his size, not comfortable.

Hold up the walking stick and shepherd’s staff. The rod and staff are carefully selected and crafted to be the right length and weight for each shepherd. Hold up the rod. The shepherd’s rod is used to protect the sheep and shepherd from prowling, wild animals that try to attack the sheep. The rod is a symbol of his strength, power and authority. It is also used to lovingly discipline a stubborn sheep that needs correction.

In Psalm 23, is David saying that God stands over us with a club? Smile.

NO, not at all! God doesn’t do that! Hold up the Bible. Our Good Shepherd gives us this rod to defend against our prowling enemy, the devil. Read 1 Peter 5:8:

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

The rod is a symbol of God’s Word and His power and authority in our lives. Jesus used God’s Word as a rod of protection and authority in the wilderness to defeat Satan and his temptations. God’s Word protects us and lovingly corrects us when we, like sheep, stray from God’s path.

Hold up the staff. The other tool a shepherd uses is the staff. The staff is a long, slender stick with a curved or crooked end. The curved end is shaped to gently guide sheep along the path, or to lift and move any that wander off the path. The staff can be used to free a sheep stuck in the bushes or in immediate danger from a predator.

The shepherd also uses the staff to pull a sheep close to him for a loving, comforting touch and to closely examine it for a wound or disease. The shepherd leans on his staff for support and strength as he walks or stands to watch over the sheep as they graze or rest.

Our Good Shepherd provides us with a staff, too—the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit lives inside of us. We can lean on God’s Spirit for comfort and support. The Spirit guides us and pulls us close to our Heavenly Father, so He can examine our hearts and spend time with us. That’s why the shepherd’s staff can be a symbol of God’s Holy Spirit.

A shepherd practices with his rod and staff until he is skillful in its use to guide and protect his sheep. We, too, need to know and use God’s Word effectively in our lives. We must learn to recognize the voice of God’s Spirit in our hearts so He can guide us on the path He has chosen for us and help us make wise choices.

Bible Study

In our lesson today, we have discussed the first four verses of Psalm 23. Let’s dig a little deeper into verse 5. Have children look up Psalm 23:5 and read it aloud.

You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.

Use these discussion starters to provoke thought and discussion.

What do you think David is saying in the first part of the verse about preparing a feast? Children discuss.

How do you think a shepherd could prepare the pasture or grazing area for his sheep? A shepherd looked for the greenest meadows with a stream nearby. He would survey the land and remove poisonous plants or other hazards that could harm the sheep. He would remove leaves and other debris from the stream so the sheep could drink.

How do you think our Good Shepherd prepares a feast for us? 

Jesus went before us, and He experienced and was victorious over every form of temptation, trial and adversity that we would ever face.

What do you think David means by saying, in the presence of my enemies? Children discuss.

As the sheep grazed in the meadow, predators often spied on the sheep from the hills above. They waited for a lamb to wander away from the flock to attack it. The shepherd was always ready to fight off predators and protect His sheep.

How do you think this applies to us today?

Jesus said He must go to heaven after His resurrection so God’s Holy Spirit could come and live inside each believer. This Holy Spirit, sent by our Good Shepherd, is ever watchful and will lead us on a safe path to avoid the enemy.

What tool did we learn about that our Good Shepherd gave us to use for protection? The rod.

What does the rod represent? The Word of God.

Isn’t it exciting and comforting to know that someone goes before us to prepare the way? Our enemy may be prowling around, watching and waiting to devour someone who is unsuspecting or careless. But we have the Good Shepherd on duty 24/7. Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “Jesus will guide me and protect me.”

Finding Game

David, the shepherd, guided and protected his sheep from harm. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, also guides and protects us today. Jesus told this story to His disciples.

Have children look up Matthew 18:12–13. Select three children to each read one sentence of the passage.

¹² “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? ¹³And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!"

Jesus was saying that a human shepherd will search until he finds a lost sheep. Every single sheep is loved and very valuable to the shepherd. How much more will Jesus, the Good Shepherd, search and rescue us when we are lost!

Now we will play a game to show what a loving shepherd does when a sheep is missing from the flock.

Hold up the toy sheep — or paper sheep — so children can see it. This poor sheep has wandered away from the flock, is lost, and cannot find its way back. We need a shepherd to find it!

Ask one child to leave the room with a helper for a minute while the rest of the class watches you hide the sheep. Have the child return to the room and begin looking for the hidden sheep. The class guides the child by giving various temperatures to indicate if the child is getting farther — cold/colder/freezing, or closer warm, warmer, hot, burning— to the sheep. As time permits, hide the sheep in different places. Ask children for ideas of hiding places if you wish. Have the class guide other children to find it.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “Jesus will guide me and protect me.”