The Shepherd Protects

Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death,
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

 ”I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

John 10:11

 Props: club (or large stick), slingshot

             Shepherds do many things to take care of their sheep: they make sure that their sheep have what they need, and they lead them where they will be safe.  Another job that shepherds have is to protect their sheep from wild animals that try to attack them.  Bears, lions and other animals may try to get in to where the sheep are to attack them.  A shepherd is always watching for such animals and is always ready to fight them off.  (Display weapons).  He may use a club like this or a slingshot to kill or at least scare away the attacking animals. 

            Our Shepherd is Jesus.  He is always ready to fight off our worst enemy, satan.  Satan may try to attack us with sickness; Jesus brings healing.  Satan may try to attack us with fighting in our home; Jesus brings peace.  Satan may try to attack us by trying to get us to do something we shouldn’t; Jesus gives us the power to do what’s right.  Jesus—our Great  Shepherd—will always be stronger than our enemy, satan.  Jesus takes care of us.