Jesus
WELCOME TO WEEK 4
If someone knows your name, does that really mean they know you? When can we say we really know someone else? It happens when we know more than just their name, but their character as well. This week we will see that Jesus coming to the world helps us know God.
BIBLE STORY
God has many names in the Bible, that describe Him. See how many names of God you can recall.
Adonai
Jehovah Jireh
El
El Elyon
Jehovah Rapha
El EloheYisrael
Elohim
El Shaddai
Immanuel
Yah
YHWH
Knowing the names of God is one aspect of knowing God. We can know God more deeply when we understand what those names mean and the character of God. We can know God more deeply through prayer and by reading His Word, the Bible. Getting to know God is more than just knowing what He is called, but understanding who He is and how those names are a reflection of His character. When Jesus came to earth and lived, He showed us the living character of God. We get to see Jesus’ life and therefore see who God is. This week we will see how a young Jesus shows us that we can spend time with God to get to know Him better.
Read or listen to the scripture Luke 2:41-52
Why was Jesus’ family going to Jerusalem? (For Passover festival)
How old was Jesus when he made this particular trip? (12 years old)
Why did’t Jesus’ parents realize he was missing right away? (They were traveling in a group and thought He was with others relatives)
How long did they look for Jesus? (3 days)
What was Jesus doing in the temple when they found him? (Listening and asking the Religious leaders questions)
When Mary asked Jesus why he had gone, what did Jesus reply? (Why did you search for me, didn’t you know I would be in my Fathers house?)
How does the verse describe how Jesus grew?( in wisdom, stature, and favor in God and all the people)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
Jesus coming to earth helps us know the character of God more fully. Listen to these stories of Jesus’ life, then describe how that helps you understand the character of God. Print the following activity sheet and cut them into strips. Take turns pulling a strip of paper from the bowl, read the description and then discuss the story aloud. Sometimes people think of God as a distant king sitting on a throne waiting to give out punishments, but Jesus said if we have seen Him we have seen the Father. That tells us that the character of Jesus is the same character of God the Father. When we look at the life of Jesus we can have a better understanding of God the Father’s love for us as well.
Materials: printed activity sheet, small bowl
Alternate
Who does God say He is? When we seek answers to that question it can help us understand who God is and how much He loves us. We can study the Bible to help us get to know God. When Jesus was in the temple, He was listening and asking questions. Jesus wanted to be in God’s word and He shows us that we can get to know God more by being in His Word too. Complete the following activity sheet by looking up the verses provided and writing a description of who God says He is in His Word.
Materials: printed activity sheet, bible
Independent activity:
Jesus parents had traveled the entire day before they realized He was missing and then it took 3 days for them to find Him. Jesus was in the temple learning and asking questions to the religious leaders. Imagine if your parents left you at church for 3 days, would you know your way back home? Create a map to show how to get from your house to church (or your school). Check your map with a real map to see if you know the way.
Materials:
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, scissors
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Read or listen to Colossians 3:12-17
This verse tells us what we are to clothe ourselves with: mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Those are also descriptions of Jesus. Jesus lived a life showing mercy to others, being kind to those who others rejected, and being humble to put others before himself. When we see these characteristics in Jesus it helps us see the character of God. It also helps us know how we are to treat others. We are not to love others as the world does, giving only because we are receiving, but love others without expecting anything in return. When we see how much God loves us, it makes us want to grow closer to Him, share His love with others, and treat others with the same love and compassion God show towards us.
How should we forgive others?
When we are clothed in love, what does that do to us and the people around us?
What should we let rule in our hearts?
What are some ways Jesus showed love to others?
How does Jesus life help us understand the character of God?
How does Jesus being in the temple show us how two have a relationship with God the Father?
Practical Application at Home
Jesus was in the temple listening and asking questions of the religious leaders. Jesus wanted to be in His Fathers house worshiping and discussing who God is. We are a part of a church or group of people who can learn and grow together inn our relationship with God. We can ask our leaders to help us learn more from the Bible, but we can also seek answers in the Bible when we study.
As a family or as an independent study, do a little research in the Bible on your own with the following study. Make a list of the names of God. Look throughout the Bible or Bible commentary to find the meanings of the names you listed. Use a Bible concordance to find the scriptures where each of those names are used. When you study ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and open your heart to discover what He would have you learn. Allow the study of God’s names help you understand the character of God and see how much He loves us.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. Observe the things God created and how they work together in His plan. What part do each of us play in God’s plan for us?