Learn Kids 10.4 Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

Game SILENT LIBRARY

Introduction

Main Idea: Jesus told stories (parables) to help people understand His message. Today’s parable is about the future—when Jesus returns and judges everyone. Christians don’t need to be afraid because we follow Him!

Key Truth: Jesus rewards His people.

Opening Prayer

Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help us stay faithful to You and love others the way You love us. Amen.

Video Intro

Action: Play the Bible Lesson Video.

Bible Story: The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats

Passage: Matthew 25:31–46 (NLT)

31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

Interactive Prompt: Ask: “Who do you want to be—sheep or goat?” (Group response)

Teaching Time

Faith Fact:

📢 Say it together: Jesus rewards His people.

Teaching Point 1: Jesus will judge our faithfulness to Him.

📖 Matthew 25:32–33 (NLT)

“All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.”

Explanation: Jesus is like a Shepherd who knows who has followed Him faithfully. He will judge everyone based on whether they stayed close to Him.

Illustration: Being faithful is like being a good friend—someone you can trust. Jesus wants us to be trustworthy friends to Him too.

Teaching Point 2: Jesus will reward those who follow Him faithfully.

📖 Matthew 25:34–36 (NLT)

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink...’”

Explanation: Jesus rewards us for loving others and staying committed to Him. We’re not saved by doing good things—but if we love Jesus, our lives will show it by how we treat others.

Important Reminder: We don't earn our way into heaven—it’s a gift from Jesus.

📖 Ephesians 2:8–9 (NLT)

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

Teaching Point 3: Jesus will punish those who reject Him.

📖 Matthew 25:41, 46 (NLT)

“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons...’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

Explanation: Those who say “no” to Jesus and choose to live their own way will be separated from Him forever. This is sad—but Jesus gives everyone a chance to choose Him.

Prayer and Response Time

Activity: Quiet time to listen for Jesus' voice. Encourage stillness and reflection.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me take the time to listen to Your voice and follow what You say. Help me do the kinds of things You want to reward. I want to stay faithful to You my whole life. I want to spend forever in heaven with You. Amen.

Faith Verse

📖 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Action: Say it with motions. Play the Faith Verse Video.

Faith Fact

📢 Say it together: Jesus rewards His people.

Wrap-Up

Discussion: Will you be a faithful sheep or a wandering goat? Let’s follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd, all the way to the end!

Dismissal: Send kids to Small Group time or dismiss for home.

Let me know if you'd like a printable version or slides for each teaching point!