Luke 2:39-52

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Lord’s Visit to Jerusalem at the Age of Twelve

What do we know about the childhood of Jesus?
What are the first recorded words of Jesus?
What do you think Jesus’ attitude was when He was with the Temple teachers “listening to them and asking them questions” (verse 46)?
Would Jesus have been recognizable on the street corner?
Why did Jesus and His family travel to Jerusalem?

Not much. This is the only inspired account we have of an event in our Lord’s boyhood. We do know from the Father’s declaration at Jesus’ Baptism that throughout these years the Lord was perfect and lived a life that was pleasing to God the Father.
“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (verse 49). This was a distinct claim to His deity.
He surely did not have a flippant or argumentative manner. He listened and inquired sincerely, as a child who loved God’s Word and wanted to know it.
No, He would not have looked differently than any other child – He didn’t have a halo!
To celebrate the yearly Passover feast.

Discuss how the Lord Jesus was an unusual child. He was God incarnate! Imagine how different His childhood would have been, especially from His earthly parents’ perspective.
Sometime in our efforts to protect the Lord’s deity, we downplay His humanity. But Jesus was not only fully God, but fully Man. As a Man He grew and matured from a baby through boyhood to manhood. He grew physically, mentally, and socially. Discuss the Lord’s humanity and it’s importance to Hebrews 4:15.

As Jesus grew up He grew in favor with men as well as God. He reached out to them and encouraged and helped them. Be a friend like Jesus!

“Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.” Luke 2:46
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52