The Good Shepherd: Loving Guide and Protector

Heiberg, J. (2007, Apr). The good shepherd: Loving guide and protector. Catechist, 40, 4649. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/213787735?accountid=160204

Resumen (resea)
Even with this little bit of detail, we can see how the imagery of the Good Shepherd and the
sheep in Scripture can help us better understand our relationship with Jesus. In the Old
Testament, Joseph and his brothers take their father's herds far from home so the flock can
enjoy good grazing (Genesis 37:12-17), and David is such a good shepherd that he fights
off wolves and lions to protect his flock (1 Samuel 17:34-35). In the New Testament, Jesus
often talks about sheep and their shepherd because he knows that his hearers will
understand. Because they are aware, on many levels, that they need others to take care of
them-to feed, shelter, nurse, and educate them-they can identify with the image of the sheep
and can respond to the tender attention of the Shepherd who loves them.

Texto completo
Shepherd and Sheep: The Imagery
Sheep are likeable and fun animals. This is a good thing to remember because, as Jesus'
friends and followers, we are likened to them in Scripture. But sheep can be difficult
creatures also. They are dumb, not clever. But if you've ever worked with them, as I have,
you can grow fond of them.
Sheep need someone-like a shepherd-to care for them, protect them from predators, and
provide them food. Their warm wooly coats are also appealing, as are their affectionate
"baas" of welcome when you bring them food and water. I was especially fond of a lamb
born on a cold night. We quickly wrapped the shivering animal in blankets and did
everything we could to keep it warm. It adopted us and followed us wherever we went. This
little lamb-and many others-entertained us that spring with their playful frolicking and
straight-up leaps that made it look like they had springs in their legs and the joy of the
universe in their hearts.
Even with this little bit of detail, we can see how the imagery of the Good Shepherd and the
sheep in Scripture can help us better understand our relationship with Jesus. We can be
loveable at times, dumb at times, needy at times, and playful and joyful at times-and in all
we do, we turn to Jesus to lead us to green pastures and peaceful waters. Our Good
Shepherd comforts and strengthens us through hard times, anoints us with soothing oils,
fills our tables, and overflows our cups (see Psalm 23).
The Shepherd and Sheep in Scripture
It's hard for us to realize how important a shepherd is to sheep because we do not live in an
agrarian economy. In the Old and the New Testaments, though, sheep are important for

food, clothing, and religious sacrifice, so sheep are important-and a shepherd is necessary.
In such an economy, the close relationship between a shepherd and the sheep is understood.
In the Old Testament, Joseph and his brothers take their father's herds far from home so the
flock can enjoy good grazing (Genesis 37:12-17), and David is such a good shepherd that
he fights off wolves and lions to protect his flock (1 Samuel 17:34-35). The Psalms often
use the imagery of God as the shepherd and the chosen people as sheep (78:52, 79:13, and
95:7).
Hear the Shepherd's Voice
In the Gospel proclaimed on the Third Sunday of Easter (John 21:1-19) and on the Fourth
Sunday of Easter (John 10:27-30), Jesus refers to his followers as sheep. In this teaching
about himself as the Good Shepherd, Jesus says that those who hear his voice follow him.
Read one or both of these Gospels aloud to students, then ask: "How do we know the love
and care of Jesus, the Good Shepherd? How is the Eucharist'food'that Jesus, the Good
Shepherd, gives to us, his sheep? How do we hear the voice of Jesus, our Good Shepherd?
How do we follow our Good Shepherd?"
Share this prayer with your students: Lord, Jesus, we are happy that you are our Good
Shepherd. Help us to hear your voice and to follow you always with confidence. Thank you
for your love and care and for the gift of new life that we celebrate in this Easter season.
Amen.
We also read comparisons between sheep without a shepherd and people who lose their
way in following God (Numbers 27:17; 1 Kings 22:17; and Isaiah 13:14).
In the New Testament, Jesus often talks about sheep and their shepherd because he knows
that his hearers will understand. He tells the parable of the Good Shepherd (Matthew 18:1014; Luke 15:1-7) to explain how much he and his Father love everyone-even those who
roam from the love of God. Jesus uses the sheep and their shepherd as a way to help people
understand the Kingdom of Heaven (John 10:1-16).
Teaching Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Children respond strongly and positively to the symbol of Jesus (and God) as the Good
Shepherd. Because they are aware, on many levels, that they need others to take care of
them-to feed, shelter, nurse, and educate them-they can identify with the image of the sheep
and can respond to the tender attention of the Shepherd who loves them. Very often,
children first come to know the love of God through the love and care of their parents, other
family members, and teachers. They can connect the love of the significant adults in their
lives to the love, protection, and guidance of the Good Shepherd who is eternal, who will
be with them all their lives.
As you help your students with the Good Shepherd crafts (see pages 48-49) and then gather
for prayer, bear in mind the significant role you play in reinforcing this lesson in your own
tenderness, kindness, patience, and attentive love of your students.

Good Shepherd Prayer

Place the shepherd(s) and the sheep on your prayer table. (You will also need a Bible in
which the readings for this prayer have been marked.)
Gather students around your prayer table and ask for a volunteer to tell the parable of the
Good Shepherd. You may want to allow younger students to move the shepherd(s) and
sheep to the action of the parable.
Opening Song: "Like a Shepherd" (Robert DurTord. 1976, New Dawn Music)
Leader-Prayer: Dear God, your Son, Jesus Christ, is our Good Shepherd. He cares for us,
guides us, and leads us home to you and everlasting life. Help us to be open to his teaching,
to hear and know his voice, and to follow him into your fold of happiness, unity, and peace.
All: Amen.
Readings: Psalm 23 (the Lord is our shepherd); John 10:14-15 (Jesus, the Good Shepherd,
lays down his life for us, his sheep)
Leader-Blessing: Lord God, you sent your Son, Jesus, to gather your flock together into
peace and unity. When we hear Jesus' voice and follow him, we are led into pastures of
peace and happiness. Thank you for our Good Shepherd, who leads us into new life. Bless
these shepherds and flocks we have made. May they remind us to follow Jesus faithfully.
Bless each person here. May we follow Jesus' example of caring so that others might also
know the tender love of the Good Shepherd. We ask this in the name of our Good
Shepherd, Jesus. Amen.
Closing Song: "Psalm 23: Shepherd Me, O God" (Marty Haugen. 1986, GIA
Publications, Inc.)
ACTIVITY: Good Shepherd Crafts
Share with your students information from "Shepherd and Sheep: The Imagery" and "The
Shepherd and Sheep in Scripture" and read or tell the parable of the Good Shepherd (Luke
15:4-6). Then make a Good Shepherd and sheep (you can make as many shepherds and
sheep as you like) as a reminder of Jesus' tender and everlasting love for us, the sheep of his
flock.
Shepherd and Sheep
MATERIALS
* patterns, including sheep and large stand
* medium-weight cardboard

* white construction paper

* crayons and markers
* scissors
* mat knife
* glue
* Optional: interlocking notched craft sticks to make a fold
Shepherd
PROCEDURE
1. Copy and cut out patterns of shepherd, corresponding sheep, and large stand (page 49).
2. Trace patterns of shepherd and stand on cardboard.
3. Trace pattern of sheep on white construction paper and cut out.
4. Color pattern of shepherd.
5. Draw face and other "wool-looking" design on white construction paper sheep.
6. Cut out cardboard tracing of shepherd and stand.
7. Glue colored shepherd pattern to cardboard.
To continue with shepherd A pattern:
1. Position sheep across shepherd's shoulders. Do not glue in place.
2. Crease stand along "fold" line.
3. Spread glue along short flap of the stand and attach to the back of the shepherd.
To continue with shepherd B pattern:
1. Using a mat knife, cut along dotted lines around the shepherd's hands.
2. Insert sheep into shepherd's arms. Do not glue in place.
3. Crease stand along "fold" line.

4. Spread glue along short flap of the stand and attach to the back of the shepherd.
Sheep
PROCEDURE
1. Copy and cut out patterns of as many additional sheep as you wish to use to surround the
shepherd (see below).
2. Copy and cut out pattern of small stand.
3. Trace patterns of sheep and stand (be sure to make one for each sheep) on cardboard and
cut out.
4. Color patterns of sheep.
5. Glue sheep to cardboard.
6. Crease stands along "fold" lines.
7. Spread glue along short flap of each stand and attach to the back of each sheep.
AuthorAffiliation
Jeanne Heiberg is the author of Advent Arts & Christmas Crafts (Paulist Press) and a new
Advent calendar (Creative Communications). She has taught art, writing, creative
catechetics, and meditation, and has directed parish catechetical programs. She writes,
paints, and gives workshops in writing and clay sculpture. She lives in upstate New York
and can be reached through her web site, http://inspirationalgift.v-motionpro.com (no
www), or simply type her name in Google Search.