When Jesus was a boy, His family traveled to Jerusalem

Transcription

1 1 WEEK Jesus Grows in Wisdom Luke 2:41-52 MEMORY VERSE James 1:5a, NIrV When Jesus was a boy, His family traveled to Jerusalem every year to celebrate the Passover Feast. The year He turned twelve, He set off on the long journey with His parents, Mary and Joseph, and other families from Nazareth. He probably hung out with friends on the road during the trip that took nearly a week! As they neared Jerusalem, the crowds grew larger. At last, the walls of the city came into sight. Vendors lined the way, selling animals. Beggars held out their hands, hoping for spare coins. Jesus and His family joined the living river of people streaming through the gates. I m going to explore! Jesus may have announced, set to take off and find adventure in the busy streets. By evening, He would have returned to the home of relatives where His family was staying. All week, Mary, Joseph and Jesus celebrated with relatives and together enjoyed the Passover Feast. 1

2 When the festive week was over, Mary and Joseph packed and began the trip home along the crowded roads. At the end of the day, they stopped to set up camp. Where s Jesus? Mary wondered. I need Him to gather sticks for the fire. I thought He was with Eli s family, Joseph suggested. But when they asked friends and relatives, no one had seen Jesus. He left the house with us this morning... Mary began, her brow furrowed. I haven t seen Him since, Joseph noted. It hit them both at the same moment: He s been left behind! Me neither, Mary agreed. It s almost if... It hit them both at the same moment: He s been left behind! Without pausing to rest or eat, Mary and Joseph turned and raced back along the dusty road toward Jerusalem. They rushed into the city again, and paused, wondering where to search first. 2

3 Where did He explore this week? asked Joseph. The theater? The marketplace! Mary exclaimed. He loves it there. The marketplace was bustling with shouting vendors and people clamoring to buy everything from rugs to fresh figs. Have you seen a young boy? Mary asked a fish seller. Hair sticks up in back, Joseph added. Gray tunic, muddy at the hem. The vendor nodded enthusiastically. About so high? the vendor asked, raising his hand to shoulder height. Yes! Mary and Joseph exclaimed. I ve seen at least 20 of em today, said the vendor. For several frantic days, Mary and Joseph searched the city, barely eating or sleeping. At last they found themselves at the gates of the one place they hadn t yet looked: the Temple. Both of them were losing hope. He s gone, Joseph! Mary cried. Something terrible has happened to Him. We ll just make one circuit inside, Joseph said. 3

4 As they circled the courtyard, Mary froze and pointed. Joseph. There! Just ahead, they could see their Son. Jesus sat with a group of teachers and the older men were actually listening to Him! Teacher, isn t it always right to be kind, even if it means giving money to a beggar on the Sabbath? Jesus asked. The teachers nodded in agreement and amazement, but Mary and Joseph rushed forward. As they circled the courtyard, Mary froze and pointed. Son, why have you treated us like this? Grabbing her boy, Mary hugged Jesus so hard she nearly squeezed the air out of Him. Your father and I have been worried about you. We have been looking for you everywhere. Jesus stepped back and looked up in surprise. Why were you looking for me? Didn t you know I had to be in my Father s house? 4

5 Joseph hugged his Son, too. All I know is... no more stunts like this, okay? Jesus returned to Nazareth with His parents and obeyed everything they asked of Him. As He grew, He became wiser and stronger. He also became more and more pleasing to God and to others. Let s Talk! What comes to mind when you think of wisdom? It s easy to think that wisdom is just something you get when you re older. But kids can grow in wisdom too! You have opportunities every single day to make wise choices. Parents, share about a choice you ve had to make recently, and how you did (or didn t) choose wisely. Kids, what is a decision that you ll need to make soon, like what activity to do or how to treat a sibling? What are some ways you could find the wise choice like asking God or talking to an adult you trust? Together, ask God to help you make wise choices every day. Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL READER S VERSION 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved The rethink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 5