Very little is known of the childhood of Jesus. This story, our glimpse into the life of twelve-year-old Jesus, is significant for what it verifies about Christ. The passage is also a helpful reminder that we should grow in multiple ways, and that we should always respect and obey parents as well as God. It’s a great opportunity to focus on keeping God central in all things, and not forgetting His presence.
Children’s Sermon Lesson
Who was and is Jesus? That might seem like a simple and straight forward Gospel question, but it’s an important one to address frequently with kids. This message focuses on the story of Jesus in the temple as a 12-year-old boy. The story reminds us that Jesus was aware of His identity as the Son of God, but also obeyed His parents and was responsible to them as a human. Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was lost, but He was where He belonged. Sometimes we might “lose” or neglect Christ, but it’s important to remember that His presence is always with us.
Bible Craft Ideas
The only story we seem to get in the Bible describing the childhood life of Jesus is an interesting one. It would seem that Mary and Joseph “lost” their son, but Jesus was right where He knew He should be. In this passage, we note how Jesus knew that He was God’s Son, although He was growing as a human, as well. This might be tough to understand—it was for Joseph and Mary, too! Children can take away from these verses the importance of following God and also obeying Earthly parents. It’s also significant to note that we don’t have to “search” for Jesus. He’s with us always! A scroll craft reminds students of temple readings, and of how parents and God can both be cherished. A maze recounts the story of looking for Jesus through the busy streets.
Video Bible Story for Kids
Bible Story: Luke 2:41-52 ESV
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
–Luke 2:41-52