Children's Liturgy Guide

4th Sunday of Easter

Year A · Easter

Jesus Knows Our Names

Reading: John 10:1-10

Leader Prep

Don't worry about doing this perfectly. If the children hear one good idea about God, Jesus, prayer, kindness, forgiveness, or the Gospel, this time has been worthwhile.

Summary

Jesus tells us he is like a good shepherd who takes care of his sheep. The sheep know his voice and follow him because he calls each one by name. Jesus is the gate that keeps us safe and leads us to a happy life with God.

Key Points

  • Jesus compares himself to a shepherd who knows each sheep personally
  • The sheep recognize and trust the shepherd's voice
  • Jesus calls himself the gate, the way to safety and life
  • Following Jesus leads to abundant life
  • Strangers or thieves do not truly know or care for the sheep

Background

In John 10:1-10, Jesus uses the image of shepherd and sheep to describe his relationship with his followers. In first-century Palestine, shepherds personally knew each animal and called them by individual names. The sheep trusted only their own shepherd's voice, not a stranger's. Jesus also identifies himself as 'the gate,' meaning he is the only true entrance to salvation and eternal life with the Father. The 'thief' who climbs over the wall represents false teachers or those who would lead people away from God. For children, emphasize that Jesus knows each of us by name, loves us personally, and keeps us safe. Set aside the deeper theological distinctions about thieves and strangers, and the concept of 'abundant life' in its eschatological sense.

Session Flow

Opening Prayer

Invite the children to pray with you, then read the opening prayer below. If many don't know the sign of the cross, teach the whole group.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Dear Jesus, thank you for knowing each of us by name and loving us so much. Help us to listen for your voice and follow you today. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Warm-up

Ask the warm-up question before the reading. There are no wrong answers; this is just to help the children connect today's reading to their own lives.

Has anyone ever called your name from far away, and you knew exactly who it was just by hearing their voice?

Example: Yes, my mom calls me from the backyard and I always know it is her voice even when I cannot see her face.

Bridge to the reading: You knew who was calling because you recognized their voice. In today's reading, Jesus talks about sheep who know their shepherd's voice, and he tells us that he knows each of us by name too.

Read the Scripture

Read the day's selected passage aloud. The full Scripture text is not included here. Use a Children's Lectionary if your parish has one available. A children's Bible may also be helpful for younger children. Otherwise, read from a standard lectionary, Bible, or USCCB.org. Read slowly, with short pauses.

Reading Questions

Ask the questions conversationally. You do not need to use every question if time is short. The example answers are for leader preparation, not scripts or required answers.

  1. In the story, who does Jesus say he is like?

    Example: Jesus says he is like a shepherd who takes care of sheep and also like a gate for the sheep.

  2. How do the sheep know which person to follow?

    Example: The sheep know their own shepherd's voice, so they follow him because they recognize how he sounds when he calls.

  3. What does Jesus say a stranger would do, and how do the sheep act?

    Example: A stranger tries to get the sheep to follow, but the sheep run away because they do not know that voice.

  4. Why do you think Jesus calls each sheep by its own name?

    Example: I think Jesus calls each sheep by name because he really knows them and loves each one specially.

Application Questions

Use these questions to help the children connect the reading to their own lives this week. Simple, concrete answers are best.

  1. How does it feel when someone remembers your name and uses it when they talk to you?

    Example: It makes me feel really happy and special because it means they know who I am and care about me.

  2. What are some ways we can listen for Jesus calling us, like the sheep listen for the shepherd?

    Example: We can pray and be quiet, listen at Mass, and read Bible stories to hear what Jesus wants to tell us.

  3. This week, who is someone you could call by name to show them you care about them?

    Example: I could say my little brother's name when I ask him to play so he knows I really want him there.

Recap

Today we heard Jesus say he is like a shepherd who knows every single sheep by name. The sheep follow him because they trust his voice. Jesus knows each of us by name too, and he wants us to listen for his voice and follow him so we can be safe and happy with God.

Prayer of the Faithful

Before returning to the assembly, invite the children to share their own prayer intentions. Their prayers may be serious, simple, funny, or very specific. After each child's prayer, the group may respond: "Lord, hear our prayer." Lastly, include the suggested prayer below.

For children who feel forgotten or left out, that they may know Jesus calls them by name and loves them, we pray to the Lord.

Mass Connection

If time allows, point out this connection just before returning to Mass. This helps children see that Children's Liturgy is still part of the Mass.

When the priest says 'The Lord be with you' and we respond 'And with your spirit,' we are answering Jesus like the sheep answering their shepherd's voice. We recognize him calling to us and we respond.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you, Jesus, for being our Good Shepherd and for knowing each of us by name. Help us to hear your voice and follow you every day. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ChildrensLiturgy.org

Jesus Knows Our Names

John 10:1-10

Word Search

Optional activity: use the word search after the discussion if you have time, or send it home with the children. The words relate to today's Children's Liturgy Scripture passage.

S A G C O L T K T N K I Y Q Q
Z A W T L Y T X I H K N E H O
E Y F B I Z R O N Y I P Z Q V
C V W E S O U Z X A P A C Q B
I B D P T N S W H W M F F L P
O Y R F E G T O S H E E P C Y
V B E L N M F L B K L T F J A
L F H T I Z T L V G B O Z I K
H F P T G Q C O E H I T V W S
A U E C F F S F M J K M B E R
K J H H T W B H Z L H G H E A
I F S A Y N L L A C S K I K X
I J E S U S T S Q Y M I V X S
D E O X Y E O B H Q J M T D M
N H D X K G A T E O E T A Y X

Words to find

  • Jesus
  • shepherd
  • sheep
  • gate
  • voice
  • name
  • follow
  • listen
  • safe
  • trust
  • call
  • love

ChildrensLiturgy.org