Core scripture: “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)

Message: I have this student.  He walked into my room a day before school even began with his grandmother.  Just scoping out his classes and meeting his teachers.  As I talked to him, I found out he was a newbie to my school, a transfer.  Apparently he had been experiencing some issues with bullying, and he wanted a fresh start.  I could relate from my 7^th grade school year.  I complimented him on his size and asked if he had considered going out for football.  Before I knew it, he was a magnet to my desk.  I knew he would be a good candidate to mentor over lunch, and he jumped at the opportunity.  We have talked about everything from his family to school to his love for Jesus—all in less than two weeks.  I cannot wait to see him rise to his potential.

Wrapped around my finger.

I have this student.  She is kind of a loner.  I was told she did not care to have attention drawn to her, but I noticed she did not seem to mind being recognized for good behavior.  So, I looked for every reason to compliment her.  On her birthday last week, I asked if she wanted to wear the princess tiara crown.  She loved it!  She savored it so much that she nearly left my room with it on her head.  Her heart began to spill out to others in the room, and I began to see her smile a lot more than the first day or two.  I could have chosen any number of well-behaved kids for the first King or Queen of the Week in that class, but I chose her.  And when I gave her the award last Friday and she was absent, I still called and left a message to her mom praising her success.

Wrapped around my finger.

I have this student.  His school ID picture looks like a tough guy.  No smile.  All coolness.  He is the leader of his posse.  You can tell those boys look up to him, and as for the rest of the class, they respect him, leaving him alone.  He tried isolating himself during the first week, sitting alone in the back corner, but I found ways to connect him to the group.  He enjoys being teased.  His smile told me that.  I did not expect the kid to be doing much homework, yet he has turned in all his work so far.  I even gave him a nickname based on a Hispanic boxer that his name rhymes with.  He loved it!  I called him up to my desk, googling a picture of the boxer, and we laughed together at the guy’s hair.  Old school and tough.  Just like him.  He is ready to follow.

Wrapped around my finger.

Three different kids.  Three classes.  Three kids bound for success based on the relationships I have built with them.  I cannot wait to grow their confidence in the upcoming weeks, but I cannot stop there.  One quiet boy has not turned in a single assignment.  Another student thinks he is entitled to have a chummy, friendly relationship with me—probably because I taught his older sister.  Another girl with test scores off the charts high is just waiting for me to challenge her.  I could go on, but I won’t.  You get the point.  As a teacher, you can never be satisfied.  The moment you get satisfied and content, Satan will sucker punch you in the gut.  I cannot stop at just three students in my pocket.  I want them all on board.  Every single one of them.

Wrapped around my finger.

Jesus was the good shepherd.  Good shepherd … somewhat of an understatement, right?  How about the remarkable shepherd?  The words-can’t-even-begin-to-describe-me shepherd?  Jesus says,“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).  Your students can certainly hear your voice, but do you really know them?  Are they following?  Jesus’ voice is imploring us to build those positive relationships.  Right now.  Today.  Reach out in love to your lost sheep this week.  Crouch beside their desks.  Be positive.  Smile!  Show them you truly care.  If one goes astray, find them and show them who Christ is through your actions.  Get the right kids on board now and the rest will begin to follow.

Wrapped around your finger.

Challenge: Who needs to be wrapped around your finger?  Find those kids.  Reach out to them this week by getting to know them.  Encourage them.  Praise their successes and show them tough love if need be.  Let them know that you are there for them every step of the way, and pray quietly on your own for them to follow.

Quote: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” (Malala Yousafzai)

Bible story: Read Luke 15:1-32.  How do these three stories connect to students in your classroom?  Can you find any lost sheep running astray amidst your day at work?  How can these stories inspire you to be Christ to others?

Prayer: Father, help me reach out to all my students to build positive relationships with them.  May these relationships encourage not just academic success but success in life.  Amen.