This message was shared with the preschoolers at the Preschool Graduation on July 20^th, 2013.

How well can you recognize voices? (Allow children to respond.) The more often you hear a voice, the easier it is to recognize it, isn’t it?  Some of you have been here at Community Lutheran Preschool for a couple of years, now, and I’ll bet a few voices are very familiar to you.  I’ll bet you could even recognize these voices without seeing their faces!  Let’s see if you can tell who is speaking when you hear their voice. (Play CD and allow children to guess the voice.)

1. Miss Sharon
2. Miss Amy
3. Miss Tiana
4. Miss Mary
5. Miss Joy
6. Mr. Jim
7. Pastor

Very good!  It’s obvious to me that during your time here at Community Lutheran Preschool, you were listening very closely to the voices of your teachers and leaders.  Well done!

People aren’t the only ones who can recognize voices. Did you know that a flock of sheep can recognize the voice of their shepherd? Sheep can recognize that very important voice, and they follow the familiar voice of their shepherd. A shepherd will speak to his sheep so he can calm them when they are confused or scared.  He gives them direction so they know where to go.  Even if it is night time and the sheep can’t see the shepherd, they will follow the sound of the shepherd’s voice.  Wow!  That is how much the sheep trust their shepherd!  Let’s give it a try.  Will you help me? (Use a volunteer to walk with a blindfold, following only voice commands.)  I’ll be that wasn’t very easy, but thank you for trusting me and following my voice.

In the Bible, people are often compared to sheep and Jesus is called the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life” (John 10:27-28).  How do you think we can hear Jesus’ voice talking to us? (Let children share ideas.) How about when we read the Bible? Tonight, your prayer partners from Community Lutheran Church have given you each a Beginners Bible for you to keep.  If you want to hear Jesus’ voice, you can read the Bible with your family. 

Jesus, our Good Shepherd, has promised his followers a wonderful life with him—one that will never end. We know he loves us because he gave his life for us on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven!  He wants to protect us, keep us safe, and love us.  When you leave Community Lutheran Preschool and go on to start kindergarten, you won’t be listening to your preschool teacher’s voices any more.  You’ll be listening to your kindergarten teacher!  But don’t forget to follow the Good Shepherd!  If you listen for His voice, He will guide you and lead you every day.

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd.  Please help us to hear your voice and follow you each day. Amen