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!