Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep to show that the Kingdom of God is accessible to all, even those who were sinners or strayed from God's path. He uses the example of a shepherd (God) who has 100 sheep and one goes missing. The shepherd leaves the 99 others and searches high and low for the lost sheep.
The sheep that was lost was now found, saved because of what the Good Shepherd did for it. The word “saved” means “to rescue from all harm.” That's what Jesus, the Great Shepherd, did for all of us to deliver us from the penalty and power of sin.
"Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it? When he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
The Parable of the Sheep and Goats strongly encourages Christians to take action to help those in need. In this parable, Jesus makes it clear that a life worthy of the reward of Heaven must involve actively helping people in need.
First and foremost, the Parable of the Talents teaches us that we are put on Earth to work. This is evident not only in this particular parable, but in several other Bible stories. God rewards those who put considerable effort into bettering their lives and the lives of those in their community.
Help the children understand that one way Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd is because he voluntarily suffered for our sins and gave his life for us. Therefore, we all will be resurrected and we all can repent, be baptized, and be forgiven for our sins.
In Christianity, the lamb represents Christ as both suffering and triumphant; it is typically a sacrificial animal, and may also symbolize gentleness, innocence, and purity.
When he finally found his sheep, the shepherd rejoiced. He put the sheep on his shoulders and carried it home. The shepherd called his friends together and told them how he had found his sheep. They celebrated together.
What distinguishes the sheep from the goats is the acceptance or rejection of Jesus' message. There is some difference of opinion among scholars regarding the identity of "the least of these my brothers", with Reginald H. Fuller and others holding that it refers to the disciples Jesus sent out on mission.
Distinguish between good and bad individuals, or superior and inferior ones.
Matthew 25:35-36, 40 (NIV) God wants our lives to overflow with mercy, love, and compassion — the marks of His kingdom. As followers of Jesus, we have a choice: respond to unsettling realities in fear and withdraw, or follow Him in responding to the greatest needs of our day with love and hope.