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
Have you ever lost something and just could’t find it? You search all over looking for maybe a lost toy and just can’t seem to find it anywhere. I’ve hidden something special somewhere in this area. Let’s see if you can find it. If you start getting close I will tell you that you are getting hot, but if you are moving in the writing direction I will say you are getting cold. Play a game of hot/cold. Tell them what they are looking for before they go on their search. Play several rounds if desired.
Was that fun looking for my lost item? This game is fun to play, but have you ever been lost at the store or on the playground. That’s not fun. It may feel like we have been separated from our parents for hours even if it has only been a few minutes. Being lost is a horrible feeling and we just want to find our parents quickly. We want to be with the people who love and know us, not with strangers. This week we are reading the story of Jesus at the temple. His parents think He is lost, but Jesus is where He knows he belongs. He is in His Father’s house. Let’s read or listen to the next part of our story to find out how Jesus is found by His parents.
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 activities cut, tape
Alternate
We spend quality time with the people we love and that helps us get to know them better and create a stronger relationship. We can spend quality time with God as well and grow in a stronger relationship with Him. Print and cut out the following cards, place them in a container or box. Use these activities as a way to spend time with God and grow in your relationship with Him.
Materials: printed & cut activity sheet, small container/box
Independent activity:
Create an obstacle course out of jump ropes, chairs, pool noodles or any other materials available. Jesus’ parents needed to find Him and they searched all over to find him. They looked in many places to find Him until they found Him at the Temple. Create your obstacle for someone to try and solve. Place a prize at the end of the obstacle course for your partner to find.
Materials: jump ropes, chairs, pool noodle or other available materials for obstacle course
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, scissors
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Why was Jesus’ family going to Jerusalem?
How long did Jesus’ parents look for Jesus?
Where did they find Him?
Have you ever been lost?
How did it feel to not bee able to find your parent or guardian?
Why was Jesus in the Temple?
How can we get to know God better?
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.
Find 3 names of God and look up their meanings. Then find 3 places each of those names are used in the Bible. Be sure to read for context. Complete this activity over several days, researching a different name each day. Complete this study as a family and write down what you learn in a journal to use as a reference in the future.
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?