Sheep aren’t known as the most intelligent creatures out there. In fact, many sheep get themselves into tricky situations—over and over again. This is why the role of shepherds and sheep farmers is so important. Let’s take a look at a lamb who’s overheated and unable to eat, as well as how the sheep farmer shows up to help.

Show the following video to your students [0:58]: Sheepishly Me SHORTS | Can we save this OVERHEATED LAMB? | Summer Lambing – Day 5

In this video, we witnessed a farmer caring for the overheated lamb by repeatedly dipping it into cool water and monitoring its temperature until the lamb was able to eat again.

• What are some of the other things that farmers and shepherds probably do to care for their sheep? (Makes sure they have the proper food to eat; make sure they don’t have illnesses or infections; move them the best pastures; vaccinate them; doesn’t move them too fast; uses herding dogs to bring them to the right spots; etc.) 

While most herds of sheep in the modern world have set areas of land, sheep once had much more freedom to roam. Traditional, historical shepherds roamed hundreds of miles with their flocks, walking at the pace the sheep needed. The shepherds stayed with them at night, too.

• Why do you think the shepherds stayed with their sheep all the time? (Answers will vary. They loved them and wanted to make sure they were always cared for; predators would come that needed to be driven away.)
• Sheep are not the smartest of creatures. They depended on the shepherds to guide them. What kind of bond do you think formed between the sheep and the shepherds? (Answers will vary; mutually close.)

Similar to sheep, we can use some guidance, direction, and caretaking.

• What are some day-to-day situations—at school, at home, or where you spend your time after school—where having your own personal shepherd to show you the way would be helpful? (Answers will vary.)
• Is there anyone at school or in the family who fills that role for you sometimes? (Answers will vary; teachers, guidance counselor, coach, parent, grandparent, friend.) 
• When have you trusted someone to fill that role—perhaps a friend at school—only to be let down? (Answers will vary.) 

There is a Good Shepherd who knows us better than we know ourselves. Let’s find out about the Shepherd who loves us, cares for us, and can be there in ways no one else can.