Heartprints

Mary’s Little Lamb

“Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb…Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow; and everywhere that Mary went, Mary went, Mary went…everywhere that Mary went that lamb was sure to go.”

“Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb…Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white as snow; and everywhere that Mary went, Mary went, Mary went…everywhere that Mary went that lamb was sure to go.”

You remember this nursery rhyme, don’t you?  Most people in the United States, both young and old, do.  I remember learning it in kindergarten or perhaps even preschool.  Many have memorized it, particularly the first stanza, and can repeat it without effort.   

But have you ever wondered who wrote this wonderful nursery rhyme and what inspired the author?

In 1830, Sarah Hale of Boston wrote, “Mary had a Little Lamb” from an actual event.  According to sources, young Mary Sawyer took her lamb to school one day and prompted the writing of the rhyme.  After almost 200 years this nursery rhyme has been taught and recited frequently in homes and schools across the country.  I would like to suggest that as children learn the words to this popular nursery rhyme…they can also be taught something even of more significant as we approach the Easter season.  

As we prepare our children for Easter, use this nursery rhyme to remind them of…”The Lamb of God.”  For Mary ‘birthed’ a little lamb (Luke 2:7)…Jesus was His name (Matthew 1:25).  His ‘life’ on earth was white as snow…because, He lived His life without sin (1 John 3:5).  

Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away our sin (John 1:29).  He died upon the Calvary cross for the forgiveness of our sins.  Then He was buried among the dead, but on the third day He arose (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and into Heaven He did ascend to sit down on His thrown (Mark 16:19). 

Everywhere that Mary went the lamb was sure to go.  When we place our trust in Jesus, the Lamb of God, He will come into our lives and take up permanent residency.  So, everywhere that we go, the Lamb is sure to go…Jesus the “Lamb of God” will travel with us through our journey of life, offering wisdom, providing peace, promoting unity, pouring out love, and providing grace to those of us who embrace Him. 

As we prepare our children for Easter, remember the perfect Lamb and teach them that He will take away their sin, fill their hearts with love and joy, and give them everlasting life.  Embrace Him today and enjoy “The Lamb.”

Lisa Goodyear holds a Master of Arts degree in Christian Education, with a focus in Children's Ministry, from Dallas Theological Seminary. She has over twenty-eight years of local children's ministry, as well as an extensive background in early childhood education and international ministry to children. Currently, she is serving with the family/children’s ministry in her local church in Shawnee, Kansas. Lisa's passion is to see children from every nation, tongue, and tribe trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior and grow in their relationship with Him. She is married to Rolla and they have two grown children and three grandchildren and a little Yorkie, Romeo. Lisa lives in Olathe, Kansas.