Session 3: Jesus in the temple

Luke 2: 22-52

Soon after his birth, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to present him to the Lord, according to Jewish laws. Read Luke 2:22-52 or watch the following video:

Video: Jesus in the temple

Source: Saddleback Kids on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho_3gvIWzbw

Discuss

When Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple, they met a prophet named Simeon. What did Simeon tell them?

Simeon told them that:

1) Jesus was salvation promised by God:

“my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples” (Luke 2:30-31) - He confirmed what Angel Gabriel had told Mary earlier.

2) He also spoke of sacrifice which Jesus would make as well as Mary’s future suffering:

“Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against and a sword will pierce through your own soul and also that thoughts out of many hearts will be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35)

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The next time we hear about Jesus in the Bible is when he is 12 years old, when he makes the annual pilgrimage to to Jerusalem during the feast of Passover.

What did Jesus say when Mary found him and told him how anxiously they had been looking for him? Who does he mean when he talks about his "Father"?

Jesus told Joseph and Mary "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"

Here, his "Father" refers to God.

That's the relationship we have with God too! As Christians we are all called into a personal relationship with God the Father, and we are his children. What are some things which a Father does?

Answers will vary. Here are some suggestions:

Fathers:

• Love their children

• Give generously to their children, give them the best

• Do what is best for them

• Teach and discipline their children

• Forgive them when they make mistakes

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Jesus went back to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph, and the Bible tells us that "he was obedient to them"... and that he "increased in wisdom and stature in favor with God and man". The next time we meet Jesus is when he is an adult and starting his public ministry.