TEACHER BIBLE STUDY 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 Deuteronomy 16:16.) Once a year, those who followed God s law would travel to Jerusalem, often in large groups. In Bible times, a Jewish boy became a man around age 12. His father would train him to take on all the responsibilities of adulthood, social and spiritual. Joseph was a carpenter, and he likely trained Jesus in his trade. When Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem, Joseph might have taken Jesus around the city to teach Him the significance of the temple and explain the purpose of the Passover feast. Jesus parents started the journey back home after the feast. 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. Jesus said to them: Didn t you know that I had to be in My Father s house? Mary and Joseph did not understand Jesus words. But Jesus is God s Son, and it was necessary that He honor His true Father. In all this, Jesus did not sin. The Bible does not give many details about Jesus childhood, but we do know that as Jesus got older, He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people. Jesus carried out God s plan to reconcile the world to Himself. (2 Corinthians 5:19) LESSON OVERVIEW/SCHEDULE Session Title: Jesus at the Temple Bible Passage: Luke 2:41-52 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Key Passage: John 1:14 Unit Christ Connection: Old Testament prophecies looked forward to the birth of Christ. Jesus roles as Son of God and Messiah are established. 1
Transition Time Welcome time Activity sheet/table Centers Session starter (10 minutes) Lesson Countdown Introduce the session (1 minute) Timeline Map (2 minutes) Big picture question (1 minute) Sing (5 minutes) Key passage (4 minutes) Tell the Bible story (10 minutes) Discussion starter video (3 minutes) The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Prayer (4 minutes) Table Time Timeline map (1 minute) Bible story review (10 minutes) Large Group Review / Activities Key passage activity (5 minutes) Activity choice (10 minutes) Prayer (5 minutes) THE BIBLE STORY/OVERVIEW Jesus at the Temple Luke 2:41-52 Every year, Jesus parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. Passover was the biggest holiday for the Jewish people. Many people would travel to Jerusalem to celebrate and remember when God saved His people from slavery in Egypt. When Jesus was 12 years old, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph went to Jerusalem together. When it was time to go home, Mary and Joseph began traveling to Nazareth with a large group of people. They did not notice that Jesus was not with them; they thought He was among the group of travelers. But Jesus was not with the group. He had stayed behind in Jerusalem. Mary, Joseph, and the other travelers had been walking for a whole day when they began to look for Jesus. They looked among their relatives and friends, but they could not find Him. 2
So Mary and Joseph went back to Jerusalem to look for Jesus. They searched everywhere for Him, but they could not find Him. The city was so big, and Jesus was just a boy. Finally, they found Him. Jesus was in the temple complex, sitting among the teachers. Jesus was listening to the teachers and asking them questions. Everyone who heard Jesus could hardly believe how much Jesus understood. When Jesus parents saw Him, they were surprised. Mary said, Son, why have You done this? Your father and I were worried. We ve been looking everywhere for You. Why were you looking for Me? Jesus asked them. Didn t you know that I had to be in My Father s house? But Mary and Joseph did not understand what Jesus was talking about. Then Jesus went back to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph, and He was obedient to them. Mary remembered all of these things. Jesus grew taller and wiser. God was pleased with Him, and so was everyone who knew Him. Christ Connection: Jesus went to the temple to worship. He is God s Son, and He came to do God s work. Jesus taught people, suffered, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead so that we too can worship God. TRANSITION TIME Session Title: Jesus at the Temple Bible Passage: Luke 2:41-52 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Key Passage: John 1:14 Unit Christ Connection: Old Testament prophecies looked forward to the birth of Christ. Jesus roles as Son of God and Messiah are established. Welcome time Tip: As kids arrive this is a great time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group. Arriving Activity: Packing Party bag or suitcase personal items Place a bag or suitcase in the middle of the room. Hide several items around the room that you might pack for a trip. Items might include the following: belt, shirt, coat, soap, shampoo bottle, new toothbrush, shoes, hair brush, comb, hat, scarf, socks, and so forth. Say How many of you like going on a trip? Today, we will talk about a trip Jesus took when He was young. 3
Activities/Table Centers (5 minutes) Table centers (Miscellaneous Activities) Family Photo activity sheet / Bible Story Coloring Sheet, 1 per kid pencils, markers or crayons Guide boys and girls to complete the activity page. Say Have you ever been separated from your parents in a crowd of people? In today s Bible story, Mary and Joseph were separated from Jesus in a crowd. If time remains, allow kids to complete the coloring page provided with this session. Session Starter (10 minutes) Option 1: Going Back tape Tape a start line and finish line several feet apart. Form two or more groups of kids. Line up the groups single file at the start line. Assign each kid a number; use the same numbers for each group. The first kid in line should race to the finish line, and the next kid will do the same after the first kid crosses the finish line. Continue until all the kids have crossed the finish line. Then say, Go back, followed by one of the numbers assigned to the kids. The kids with that number will race each other back to the start line. Play until every kid has returned to the start line. Say Have you ever left somewhere only to go back for something you forgot? That s what happened in today s Bible story. Option 2: Lost and Found bag or suitcase personal items Invite two or three kids to come to the front of the room. Use the suitcase or bag from the welcome time. Put sunglasses, gloves, hats, scarfs, socks, belts, shirts, and other articles of clothing in it. Give the volunteers 30 seconds to put on items from the suitcase and face the other kids. Give the other kids 30 seconds to look at the volunteers. Then ask the other kids to turn around and close their eyes. One of the volunteers should take off one of the items. Invite the others to identify the article of clothing that was removed. Say Have you ever lost something and then found it later? Find out how Jesus parents found Him after they thought He was missing. Transition to large group 4
LESSON Session Title: Jesus at the Temple Bible Passage: Luke 2:41-52 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Key Passage: John 1:14 Unit Christ Connection: Old Testament prophecies looked forward to the birth of Christ. Jesus roles as Son of God and Messiah are established. Countdown countdown video (on provided DVD with lesson videos and worship) Show the countdown video as you clean-up table centers, set up classroom chairs for the lesson and set it to end as large group time begins. Introduce the session (1 minute) camera [Large Group Leader enters with a camera, taking pictures or pretending to take pictures. In a moment, the leader will give one or more kids the opportunity to take pictures during the session.] Leader Hello! Welcome to week three of our journey through the early years of Jesus life. We have some incredible pictures so far thanks to your wonderful photography skills. I need another volunteer or two to be our professional photographers today. Make sure we get some great pictures. Nothing is worse than taking a picture of an important moment and it turned out blurry or you missed what you were trying to capture. Timeline Map (2 minutes) Timeline Map (small group visual pack copies provided for Table Time Review) Leader Let s look back at the photos on our timeline map so we can remember what we ve learned so far about Jesus life. Here s Baby Jesus with His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. We learned how Jesus was born in Bethlehem and angels told shepherds that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God s promised Savior. Several days later, Jesus was dedicated. This was a special time when parents set apart their firstborn baby to special service for God. While Jesus was being dedicated, an old man and an old woman saw Him, and God showed them that this baby was the promised Savior. They had been waiting to see this special child. Why were Simeon and Anna waiting? Simeon and Anna were waiting for God to keep His promise to send Jesus to save them from their sins. Today s picture is called Jesus at the Temple. 5
Big picture question (1 minute) Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? - 11x17 poster provided Leader If you want to find out why Jesus went to the temple, you will need a Bible. Do you have your Bible today? It s time to hear our big picture question, Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Sing (5 minutes) Worship Song: In Jesus Name (on provided DVD) Leader Because of Jesus, we don t have to go to a temple to worship God. Jesus gives believers God s Spirit, and we can worship Him anywhere. We go to church to worship God with other believers. The temple was a place where only certain people could go, and only the high priest could go to the most special place in the temple. Now, we can all take our requests right to God. That s because Jesus takes away our sin so we can be with God. Let s praise Him together. Sing together In Jesus Name. Key passage (4 minutes) Key Passage Poster: John 1:14 (provided) Worship Song: Grace and Truth (on provided DVD) Leader Jesus was once a kid just like you. The Bible doesn t talk a lot about what Jesus was like as a kid. We know He grew up healthy, strong, and wise. We also know that God and others liked Him. Unlike us, Jesus was perfectly sinless, and as God s Son, Jesus showed us what God is like and how wonderful He is. That s what our key passage says. Let s look at it together. Show the slide or poster of the unit s key passage, John 1:14. Lead the boys and girls to read the verse. Then sing together Grace and Truth. Tell the Bible Story (10 minutes) Jesus at the Temple video (on provided DVD) Bibles, 1 per kid Bible Story Picture Slide or Poster Leader Turn in your Bible to Luke 2, and let s see what Jesus did at the temple when He was 12 years old. Don t forget to pay attention for the answer to the big picture question, Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Show the Jesus at the Temple video, or choose to tell the Bible story in your own words using the script provided. For a shorter version of the story, read only the bolded text. Leader God s people celebrated feasts and festivals throughout the year. They got together to remember things God had done. Passover was one of those times. People traveled to the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus and His family traveled many miles to Jerusalem from Nazareth. They didn t have cars, planes, or trains. It took days to walk there. After celebrating Passover, everyone went home. They traveled in big groups. Somehow Jesus was left behind. When Mary and Joseph realized Jesus was missing, they were a day away. It took three days for them to find Him. 6
Would you be worried if your parents left you and were gone for three days? Jesus wasn t. When His parents found Him at the temple, Jesus told them they should have known He would be at His Father s house. Mary and Joseph were confused, but Jesus knew His purpose even as a 12-year-old. Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Ask the following review questions: What festival did Jesus family attend? (Passover, Luke 2:41) How old was Jesus in today s Bible story? (12, Luke 2:42) Where was Jesus when His parents found Him? (in the temple, Luke 2:46) How many days did it take Mary and Joseph to find Jesus? (three, Luke 2:46) Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Discussion starter video (3 minutes) Unit 24, Session 3 - Discussion Starter Video (on provided DVD) Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? - 11x17 poster provided Leader Have you ever lost something and just couldn t seem to find it? Maybe this video will seem familiar. Show the Unit 24 Session 3 video. Leader Can you name something you thought you had lost but later you found it in an obvious spot? An angel told Mary and Joseph about Jesus purpose before Jesus was even born, yet they still didn t understand why Jesus stayed at the temple when they went home. Jesus was spending time with His true Father. Even at 12 years old, Jesus knew His purpose was to save people from sin. The Gospel: God s Plan for Me (optional) Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions. Prayer (4 minutes) Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? - 11x17 poster provided Show the big picture question slide or poster. Leader You probably heard the answer to the big picture question. Just in case you missed it, here it is. Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Assign each kid a number. If you have a large group of kids, form small groups and assign each group a number. When you call out one of the assigned numbers, that kid or group of kids must stand and say the big picture question and answer. Repeat as time allows. 7
Before transitioning to small groups, make any necessary announcements. Lead the kids in prayer. Pray that God will help the kids begin to understand His purpose for them even at a young age. Dismiss to small groups for Table Time The Gospel: God s Plan for Me Ask kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means good news. It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids. God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean. We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23) God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9. Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:18. We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus. Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus. 8
TABLE TIME LEADER Session Title: Jesus at the Temple Bible Passage: Luke 2:41-52 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Key Passage: John 1:14 Unit Christ Connection: Old Testament prophecies looked forward to the birth of Christ. Jesus roles as Son of God and Messiah are established. Bible story review (10 minutes) Tip: Divide children into small groups for table time. Each group should include an adult leader at the table. Bibles, 1 per kid Timeline (small group visual pack extra copies provided for Table Time Review) Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? (11x17 poster provided in classroom) paper marker Encourage the kids to find Luke 2 in their Bibles. Help them as needed. Say Have you noticed that Luke 2 is all about Jesus childhood? Do you know how many verses it has? It has 52 verses. Matthew 2 and Luke 2 are the only chapters in the Bible that record Jesus childhood. Use the small group visual pack to show kids where today s Bible story is on the timeline. Write each verse from today s story on a separate sheet of paper with the verse reference. You will have 12 pages in all. Hide the papers throughout the room. Let the kids search for them. If you have 12 or more kids, instruct the kids to sit down once they find a paper. If not, they may find more than one. Call out the first verse. The kid who found it should read it. Continue until the kids read all 12 verses in order. If you have kids who struggle to read, invite them to bring their verses to you to read at the proper time. Say In Bible times, when a boy was between 12 and 13 years old, he was considered a man. Jesus wasn t a little kid anymore. He knew His purpose. His parents were surprised when they finally found Him at the temple. He wasn t being disobedient; He was doing what God called Him to do. The last two verses of Luke 2 say Jesus was obedient to His parents, and He grew in wisdom and height. It also says He was well liked by God and others. Show the big picture question slide or poster. Say Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. 9
LARGE GROUP REVIEW AND ACTIVITIES Key passage activity (5 minutes) Read the Fine Print Key Passage Poster: John 1:14 dry erase board and marker (optional) Make sure the key passage, John 1:14, is visible for each child, either as the printed poster or written on a dry erase board. Read the verse together. Say Jesus is eternal. That means He has always existed. God sent Jesus to earth from heaven to be born as a baby. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Jesus showed people what God is like. Choose a volunteer to stand near the key passage poster and say the verse. Tell the volunteer to travel five steps back and read it again. Continue until the volunteer is standing against the opposite wall. The idea is that the key passage should be harder to see the farther he is from it. If you use a large poster or a slide, make a smaller one. If your room is small, print several copies, reducing the size of the words each time. Instead of telling the kids move backward, let them read smaller print each time (kind of like an eye exam). Choose another volunteer and play again. Activity Choice (10 minutes) Option 1: Circle of Questions beanbag Have the kids form a circle and sit down. The kids will take turns passing a beanbag clockwise around the circle. Every child must touch the beanbag as it goes around, no child may be skipped. When you say stop, the kid with the beanbag, or the kid who touched it last must answer one of the questions below about Jesus childhood. If he answers it correctly, he stays in the game. If not, he sits out a round. Continue as time allows. In which town was Jesus born? (Bethlehem) Who came to visit Jesus at His birthplace? (shepherds) Why was Jesus born? Jesus was born to be God s promised Savior. Why did Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple as a baby? (to be dedicated) Who at the temple recognized Jesus as the promised Savior? (Simeon and Anna) Why were Simeon and Anna waiting? Simeon and Anna were waiting for God to keep His promise to send Jesus to save them from their sins. How old was Jesus when His parents accidentally left Him at the temple? (12) How many days did it take Mary and Joseph to find Jesus? (three) Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. 10
Say Jesus knew He had a purpose. God sent Him to save sinners. Jesus obeyed God, and God was very pleased with Him. Option 2: Let s Ask Questions noun cards A deck of cards are provided with various nouns typed on them. Included are people, places, and things. (Examples: Abraham Lincoln, New York, kite) There is one card for each kid. Form groups of three or four kids. Give each kid a card. Invite kids to take turns answering questions about their person, place, or thing. Kids should ask yes or no questions to try figure out what the noun is. Suggestions: Can you eat it? Is it a famous person? Is the place in America? Say Asking questions is a great way to get answers and learn new things. Jesus parents found Him in the temple asking and answering questions. Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Prayer and Clean-Up (5 minutes) Say Here s the big picture question and answer: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. If time remains, take prayer requests. Pray, thanking God for giving us a glimpse of Jesus as a kid. Pray for each child by name. Pray that the kids might find favor with God and others as they fulfill their purpose too. Clean-Up Room 11
Instructions: Find Mary, Joseph, and Jesus as they visit the temple. UNIT 24 Session 3 Younger Kids Activity Pages 2014 LifeWay OK to print God s Plan Is Jesus
Jesus at the Temple Luke 2:41-52 2014 LifeWay OK to print
Family Journal Page God s Plan Is Jesus k. Keep track of ee -s nd -a de hi of e m ga ily m fa a y Establish boundaries and pla on s time below. rs pe ch ea e rit W r. be em m ily m fa how long it takes to find each mily s search for Him. fa s Hi d an ple tem e th at e tim us Talk about Jes Jesus at the Temple Luke 2:41-52 Preschool Key Passage: John 1:14 Big Picture Question: Why did Jesus go to the temple? Jesus went to the temple to worship God. Christ Connection: Jesus went to the temple to worship God. Jesus is God s Son. He taught people about God. Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead so that we can worship God too. Kids Key Passage: John 1:14 Big Picture Question: Why was Jesus visit to the temple important? Jesus showed that He is God s Son and that He came to do God s will. Christ Connection: Jesus went to the temple to worship. He is God s Son, and He came to do God s work. Jesus taught people, suffered, died on the cross for our sins, and rose form the dead so that we too can worship God. Unit 24 Session 3 2014 LifeWay OK TO PRINT
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Unit 24 Key Passage Poster (ESV) OK TO PRINT 201 LifeWay God s Plan Is Jesus