December 30, 2018
Dear Parents,
The Book of Luke records just two narratives about Jesus’ childhood: His dedication (Luke 2:21-40) and His time at the temple when He was 12 years old (Luke 2:41-52). Both stories set the stage for Jesus’ ministry on earth as an adult.
Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the law of Moses, and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. God had commanded the men to appear before Him three times a year to observe certain festivals. (See Deut. 16:16.) Once a year, those who followed God’s law would travel to Jerusalem—often in large groups—to celebrate Passover.
Jesus’ parents started the journey back home after celebrating the feast in Jerusalem. They assumed Jesus was
among their traveling companions, but He wasn’t. Jesus had stayed behind at the temple. Mary and Joseph traveled for a day before they noticed Jesus was missing. They went back to Jerusalem and found Him at the temple. When Mary asked why He had done this, Jesus answered Mary’s question with a question: “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Mary and Joseph did not understand. But Jesus is God’s Son, and it was necessary that He honor His true Father. In all this, Jesus did not sin.
Even as a child, Jesus wanted to do His Father’s plan. As Jesus grew up, He became strong and wise. God blessed Jesus as He got ready to follow His Father’s plan: to die on the cross and rescue people from sin.
The Bible Story: Jesus at the Temple
Bible Passage: Luke 1:26-56
The Big Ideas
- Jesus is God’s Son.
- Jesus went to the temple to worship God.
- Jesus came to earth to do God’s plan.
- Jesus honored God the Father and His earthly parents too.
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Table Talk
Use these questions to make the most of meal time:
- Why do you think Jesus stayed behind?
- How can we know God is our Father too?
- What kind of questions do you think Jesus asked the teachers?
- Why were people in the temple surprised at how much Jesus understood?
- What did Jesus mean when He said, “I had to be in My Father’s house”?
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This Month's Memory Verse
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 ESV
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