Boy Jesus Visits the Temple

While visiting the temple in Jerusalem at age twelve, Jesus became separated from his parents and was inadvertently left behind. Upon returning to Jerusalem three days later, his worried parents found him at the temple listening to the teachers and amazing those around him with his understanding.

As Jesus grew, he continued to develop mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually. This is the model for children to grow in today.

Bible verses used in this episode:
Luke 2:40-52

Outline:

1. Jesus the child (Luke 2:40)
2. Passover feast (Luke 2:41-42)
3. Missing child (Luke 2:43-45)
4. In his father's house (Luke 2:46-50)
5. Jesus the young man (Luke 2:51-52)

Tips for Teaching:

• Research life for children in New Testament times (food, chores, games, learning)
• Look online for 3D experiences of the temple so children can experience what it may have been like for Jesus
• Adults could compare and contrast conversations Joseph and Mary would have had on the way to Jerusalem with the conversations they might have had on the way home back to Nazareth at the end of this story.

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Boy Jesus Visits the Temple

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org