Lesson 20 Teacher Material

Finding My Place in the Good Shepherd’s Fold

Elder Gerrit W. Gong taught that the Good Shepherd “seeks and gathers us” and “teaches us how to minister in love” (“Good Shepherd, Lamb of God,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 97). In this lesson, students will discuss the importance of knowing that the Good Shepherd cares for all people. Students will also learn the importance of developing a shepherd’s heart so that they can seek out and help bring back the Lord’s lost sheep.

Suggestions for Teaching

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd.

You could begin class by showing the accompanying pictures of shepherds and sheep.

a shepherd leading his flock

shepherd with a lamb

shepherd at the sheepfold

Briefly discuss the difference between a shepherd and a hireling (see section 1 of the preparation material). Or you could watch and discuss “Lesson 16: New Testament Customs—Shepherd and Sheepfold” (1:20).

It may be helpful to also show the image of Jesus Christ depicted as the Good Shepherd from the beginning of the class preparation material and to write on the board the following incomplete statement: The Good Shepherd …

Invite students to review with a partner or in small groups John 10:11, 14–16; Psalm 23:1–4; 3 Nephi 18:28–31 and look for ways to complete the statement on the board. After allowing time for small group discussions, you could have some students write their completed statements on the board. Their statements could include truths similar to the following: The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. The Good Shepherd knows and numbers His sheep. The Good Shepherd nourishes, guides, and protects His sheep.

As students identify truths about the Good Shepherd, consider which of the following questions you might ask to help deepen their love and appreciation for Him:

• Why might it be important to understand that the Savior knows and numbers His followers? What thoughts and feelings have come to you as you have pondered that the Good Shepherd has laid down His life for each of us?

You could have students select one of the phrases in Psalm 23:1–4 (such as “green pastures,” “still waters,” “restoreth my soul,” “paths of righteousness,” or “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”) and invite them to share what these phrases might teach us about the Good Shepherd.

• What are some ways you have felt the Good Shepherd’s love and concern for you? How has He helped you through a difficult time?

You could read, sing, or listen to a version of the hymn “The Lord Is My Shepherd” (Hymns, no. 108). (Consider displaying the words.) Invite students to think about times when the Lord has watched over them.

The Good Shepherd invites all people into His fold.

Consider displaying a picture of Peter and the Savior (see section 2 of the preparation material) on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and inviting a student to explain what is happening. It may be helpful to read John 21:15–17 and discuss the following question:

• What do you find significant about the Savior’s message to Peter? (You might write the following principle on the board: We show our love for the Savior by feeding His sheep.)

Consider reviewing with students President Bonnie H. Cordon’s statement in section 2 of the preparation material.

• What do you think it means to have a “shepherd’s heart”?

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Seek to include all students. To be like the Savior we need to reach out to all students, regardless of their Church activity, degree of faith, life choices, appearance, or understanding of the gospel. As you lead discussions, strive to create a climate of love and trust so each student feels they are needed and can share their thoughts, feelings, and unique insights.

Consider sharing the following scenario or one of your own to prompt a class discussion:

You have been asked to minister to Jake. You contact him on social media, asking to meet him. He responds with the following message: “No need to visit me. I tried coming to the ward last year and felt uncomfortable. I don’t fit in or feel like I belong at church. You don’t need to waste your time on me.”

Invite some students to share how they would respond to Jake. As part of the discussion, you might ask some of the following questions:

• What might it mean in this situation to have a shepherd’s heart?

• How can the parable of the lost sheep be related to this scenario? (Consider reviewing Luke 15:4–7 and the statement by Elder Gary E. Stevenson in section 2 of the preparation material.)

• In what ways can we become “lost sheep”? If you have felt lost, what did others do to help you come back? If you currently feel lost, what do you most want from other members of the Church? (If it would help your students, you could ask them to form small groups and have them search section 3 of the preparation material for principles that could help someone feel a greater sense of belonging in their ward or branch.)

• What have you learned about the Savior as you have reached out to those who are lost or who feel like they don’t belong?

Provide students a few minutes to ponder what they could do to help someone feel valued, needed, and included in the Lord’s fold. Encourage students to record and act on their impressions.

To conclude, you may want to share your feelings for the Good Shepherd or invite a student to share his or her feelings for Him.

For Next Time

During the week you could send the following message, or one of your own, to students: Consider watching “Hear Him: Listen to the Voice of Jesus Christ” (1:47). As you study lesson 21, think about what you are doing or could do each day to hear the Lord’s voice.