Jesus at the Temple
LESSON DATE & SCRIPTURE: MAR. 22 | Luke 2:40-52
New city catechism question of the week:
Question #12:
What does God require in the ninth and tenth commandments?
Answer:
Ninth, that we do not lie or deceive. Tenth, that we are content, not envying anyone.
Memory Verse: 1 TIMOTHY 1:15
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
Preschool Practice at Home: Psalm 23 video
Talk about it together
Even as a child, Jesus wanted to do what his father wanted. He grew up like other children and was raised honoring God’s law. When Jesus was twelve years old, his family traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.
After the celebration, many people began traveling home together, but Jesus stayed behind at the temple with the teachers. His parents could not find him. They were worried and returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days, they found him in the temple talking with the teachers. When Mary asked why he stayed behind, Jesus said, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my father’s house?”
Jesus understood his purpose even as a boy. As he grew, he became strong and wise. Most importantly, he obeyed God perfectly. When he became a man, Jesus fulfilled God’s plan by dying on the cross to save people from their sins. Because Jesus obeyed perfectly, we can be forgiven and live forever with God.
Just as Jesus grew from a baby to a boy to a man, we grow too. But we do not only grow on the outside. Jesus helps us grow on the inside. We need him to grow spiritually. As we trust him, love him, and obey him, he shapes us to become more like him each day.
Family discussion
What celebration did Jesus travel to with his parents in Jerusalem?
How old was Jesus when he stayed behind at the temple?
What did Jesus do perfectly?
Family prayer
Lord, thank you for your perfect plan of salvation. Thank you for helping us grow and learn more about you through your son, Jesus. Amen.