JESUS AT THE TEMPLE AS A BOY
Elementary (Y1)
WELCOME TO WEEK 1
This week we are learning that Jesus is unusual, which means he was different from you and me. We will learn what it means to be different and stand out in an unusual way, for God!
BIBLE STORY
Think about any talents you may have. Here are a few special talents that are common but unique. Try and do one of these talents listed or do one of your special talents.
1- Juggle 3 scarves
2. Spin a basketball on your finger
3. Balance a stack of books on your head
4. Jump rope on one foot
5. Froggy jump across the room
Lets read the story in the Bible from Luke 2:41-52. Jesus was different from the other children his age because God set him apart for something special. God has set us apart as well. Sometimes following Jesus can make us feel set apart as well. It can make us feel different, but we can walk an unusual life with Jesus.
In the story, how many days was Jesus missing from his parents? (They found Jesus after 3 days)
Have you ever been separated from your parents?
If so, how did you feel during that time?
How do you think your parents felt? (Probably scared and afraid they wouldn’t see him again)
Where did Jesus’ parents find him? (Teaching in the temple courts among the teachers listening and asking questions)
What did the other people think when they saw and heard Jesus teaching? (They were amazed at his understanding and his answers)
What do you think other 12 year old boys would have been doing at that time?
Although other 12 year old boys may have been playing games, or helping their parents, or goofing off, Jesus was not like other boys. He did obey his parents but He was obeying God first. He was not like other boys his age, God had something special for him to do. God has something special for us as well. Sometimes following Jesus can make us feel different, but we can walk an unusual life with Jesus.
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
It wasn’t hard to see that Jesus was unusual. He was not like other boys his age, he was different because God had something special for him to do.
ACTIVITY
Go here to see if you can find the differences between 2 similar photos. Pick 2 or 3 photos to compare. Sometimes it was easy and sometimes it was hard to spot the differences in the pictures. What do you think were some of the differences in Jesus and the other boys his age?
Materials: Comparison pictures
ALTERNATIVE:
Watch this video about weird animals. In the video something unexpected happened, the snake was as tall as the giraffe. What were some things Jesus did that were unexpected, or not normal for a boy his age?
Materials: “Watch this video” link
CREATE:
Create a temple scene of what you think it would have looked like for Jesus to be at the temple talking with the leaders. Draw the background of the temple as well as Jesus and the leaders. Write a small caption at the bottom of the page describing the picture. Use your imagination. Try not to look at pictures in other books but create something on your own. Color and decorate the picture as you would like.
Materials: White sheet of paper, Crayons and coloring utensils
DOWNLOADABLE SHEET:
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Color the scroll and read the scripture. Then glue or tape popsicle sticks to the top and bottom of the coloring page. Roll both ends towards each other and tie with a string.
Materials: Glue/tape, Coloring scroll, popsicle sticks, small string
CRAFT 2
Coloring Page
Materials: Printed coloring page
FOLLOW-UP
Lets read the scripture Romans 12:1-2. What do you think it means to “conform to the world”? When someone conforms it means they change to fit or be what others expect of them. If we conform to the “world” we have changed who we are, or who God wants us to be, into what the world expects us to be. This verse tells us not to be changed into the world’s image but God wants to transform us into his image! His will, or plan for us, is good and pleasing and perfect!
In what ways do kids try to conform to other kids around them at school or during play?
What choices do you make daily that show God is transforming you?
The verse also says that we will be transformed by the renewing of your mind. How can you renew your mind? (by surrendering to God daily, reading God’s word, asking Him to lead you daily, making choices that follow him even when it’s hard or no one is looking, being careful of the images we allow our eyes and mind to see, careful of the words we choose to hear and then use)
Can we transform our minds on our own or overnight? (we need God to do it for us and in His perfect timing)
How can transforming to others around us keep us from living the way God wants us to live?
Let’s look at a video about an animal that transforms. Just as this caterpillar is transformed into something far more beautiful, God also wants to transform our lives into something far more beautiful. He has a perfect plan for our lives that we can choose to live.
Materials: Bible or Computer, Video Link
Practical Application at Home
Jesus was not like other boys running and playing, but instead doing his Fathers work of preaching. We are called to obey God even when it seems very different to others around us. This week look for ways to follow God even when it seems out of the ordinary. Here are a few examples:
1. Jesus says feed the hungry, care for the sick and clothe those in need. Find a way to help someone in need like giving someone who is hungry a little snack you have in the car. Looking for clothes you don't wear or need and donate them to someone in need. Visit your local nursing home and visit with a grandma or grandpa who doesn't have any grandchildren. Take a picture or art project to share with them.
2. Share with a friend at school or church.
3. Befriend the student in class or school that doesn’t seem to have very many friends.
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Participation in a food pantry or serving food