Godly Play: The Parable of the Good Shepherd

There was once someone who said such amazing things and did such wonderful

things that people followed him. They couldn’t help it. They wanted to know who

he was, so they just had to ask him.

Once when they asked him who he was, he said, “I am the Good Shepherd. I

know each one of the sheep by name. When I take them from the sheepfold they

follow me. I walk in front of the sheep to show them the way.

“I show them the way to the good grass and I show them the way to the cool, still,

fresh water. When there are places of danger I show them how to go through.

“I count each one of the sheep when they come back and go inside the

sheepfold. If one of the sheep is missing I would go anywhere to look for

the lost sheep—in the grass, by the water, even in places of danger.

“And when the lost sheep is found I would put it on my back, even if it is

heavy, and carry it back safely to the sheepfold.

“When all the sheep are safe inside I am so happy that I can’t be happy just

by myself, so I invite all of my friends and we have a great feast.”

When the wolf comes, the Good Shepherd stays between the wolf and the

sheep. The Good Shepherd would even give his life for the sheep, so they

can come back safely to the sheepfold.

Now, I wonder if these sheep have names?

I wonder if the sheep are happy inside this place?

I wonder where this place could really be?

I wonder if you have ever come close to such a place?

I wonder if you have ever found the good grass?

I wonder if you have ever had the cool, clear, fresh water touch you?

I wonder if you ever had to go through a place of danger?

I wonder how you got through?

I wonder if you have ever been lost?

I wonder if you have ever been found?

I wonder if the Good Shepherd has ever called your name?

I wonder where this whole place could really be?