The Boy at the Temple
Sermon 8 in Series
Luke 2:41-52
[41] 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.
1. What questions have you heard or asked about Jesus’ childhood? How does this passage help?
2. What does this trip to Jerusalem suggest about Mary and Joseph? What is the significance of Jesus’ age?
3. What is Jesus doing in the temple, and why does it cause amazement? How does it anticipate his future ministry?
4. How does Jesus’ response to his parents give insight into his person and work? In particular, what does it say about his relationships, priorities, and mission?
5. How does this passage challenge children and parents? In what ways does it leave you in amazement and meditation?
6. Connecting back to last week’s sermon, how is Jesus presented as the Psalm 1 boy? How is the Spirit working in your life to conform you to this image?
References: Psalm 119:97-104 (Corporate reading); 1; Exodus 12; 23:14-15; Deuteronomy 16:16; Exodus 31:3; 1 Kings 3:11; Deuteronomy 4:6; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 20:11; Luke 1:35; John 10:30; Matthew 12:50; John 4:34; Luke 19:47; Proverbs 3:4.