In the story, Where Is Sheep 100?: A Skip-Counting Story About the Good Shepherdâs Love, Cobie keeps getting lost and needs to be rescued by Shepâhis good shepherd.
Cobie is like most sheep.
He gets scared easily and runs away from loud noises.
He often wanders away and needs help staying with the flock.
He needs help finding fresh grass and water so he can be healthy and safe.
He needs a shepherd or farmer to protect him from wolves and other predators.
Shep is like most shepherds or sheep farmers.
He counts and cares for each of his sheep every day.
He keeps his sheep in safe green pastures and brings them to fresh drinking spots.
He protects his sheep from predators by building fences and always watching over them.
He uses his own strength to lift up and carry sheep that are in danger.
This story about Cobie and Shep is based on a story in the Bible called The Parable of the Lost Sheep. We can find the story in Luke 15:4-7 and in Matthew 18:12-13.
Jesus said, âIf a man has 100 sheep, but 1 of them gets lost, he will leave the other 99 sheep on the hill. He will go to look for the lost sheep. And if he finds it, he is happier about that 1 sheep than about the 99 that were never lost.â Matt. 18:12-13 ICB.
Jesus told this story because we are a lot like Cobie, and he is a lot like Shep. He wants us to understand how special every single sheep (or person) is to him. Even when we get scared or go far away from God, he wants us to know how much we matter to him. He cares about us, he keeps us safe, he gives us food and water and everything we need, and he is much, much stronger than we are. He knows when we need help, and he will always come running to find us. Arenât we lucky to belong to him?
Here are some verses to help us remember that Jesus is our Good Shepherd.
When we need something:
The Lord is my shepherd. I have everything I need. Psalm 23:1 ICB
When we are afraid and in danger:
My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die. And no person can steal them out of my hand. John 10:27-28 ICB
When we are sad, sick, lost, or in trouble:
The Lord takes care of his people like a shepherd. He gathers the people like lambs in his arms. He carries them close to himâŚIsaiah 40:11 ICB
From my heart to yours,
Where is Sheep 100?
This charming story offers skip-counting fun as readers join Shep to count each wooly friend. Theyâll also find:
Where Is Sheep 100? leaves kids with solid learning using number skills but, more importantly, heartfelt learning about the Good Shepherdâs love.
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