Mission Briefing
You Are Worth Searching For!
Imagine leaving 99 things behind to find just one that is lost. Sounds crazy, right? But that is exactly what God does – and it tells us something amazing about how much He loves every single person, including you! This mission explores Matthew 18:12.
What Does Matthew 18:12 Mean?
Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and we are like His sheep. When one sheep wanders away, the shepherd doesn’t shrug and say, “Oh well, I’ve still got 99.” He goes after the lost one with everything he has! This parable shows us that every person matters deeply to God. No one is too lost, too far, or too forgotten for God to come looking for them.
Hero Challenge
Think of someone who feels left out – at school, on the playground, or in your neighborhood. This week, go out of your way to include them, say hello, or simply be a friend. Be like the shepherd and go find the one who feels lost or alone!
Did You Know?
In Jesus’ day, shepherds were very familiar to everyone – it was a common job in Israel. Sheep were precious and valuable, so a good shepherd really would risk everything to find a lost one. By calling Himself the Good Shepherd, Jesus was making a promise His listeners could immediately understand and trust.
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
If you lost your very favorite toy, would you look hard to find it? God looks for people that same way – how does that make you feel?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Why do you think God cares about every single person and not just most people? Have you ever felt like God sees and cares about you?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
How does knowing that God searches for every lost person change the way you see people around you who might feel lonely or like they don’t belong?
♥ Mission Prayer
Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You would search for me no matter what. Help me to see the people around me who feel lost and to show them the same kind of love. Let me be a shepherd to others.
