Lesson 1: WHEN JESUS WAS A CHILD

Lesson Scripture:
Matthew 2:1,11,13: Luke 2:40-52

Memory Verse:
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Specific Objectives:

• After this lesson the students will be able to:
• identify the birthplace of the Lord Jesus;
• identify the visitors from the east who brought gifts for Jesus:
• tell the three kinds of gifts given;
• identify the country where Joseph brought his wife Mary and the baby to escape Herod’s order;
• Tell about Jesus as a boy;
• Tell how old Jesus was when he went to the temple and found talking with the elders.
• Tell the location of the temple;
• Tell what Jesus told his parents when they found him in the temple;
• Purpose in their hearts the value of going to church;
• Recite the memory verse with actions;

Clearing of Difficulties

Terms to Remember (Have these words written in big print for children to remember.)

1. Jerusalem– the city where the temple was located
2. Bethlehem, Judea- birthplace of Jesus
3. Egypt– the country where they exited to escape from Herod’s order
4. Nazareth– the town where Jesus grew up

Introduction to the lesson

Ask the children, “What do you think Jesus was like when he was a child?” Allow several volunteers to answer. Say, “All of these are good guesses, but to know what Jesus was really like we must look in the Bible. And the Bible tells us! In our lesson today, we will find out what Jesus was like when he was a boy. Jesus is our best example of what God wants you to be like as a child.”

Explanation: This passage has a strong Gospel implication for children. Jesus was fully human and fully God. In his character we see the model and standard for righteousness in children. However, all children have sinned and not followed after Christ in these ways. Through the Gospel his perfect righteousness can become their own.

BIBLE STORY

Bible Scripture: Luke 2:40-52 (The Boy Jesus at the Temple)
41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking He was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”] 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

DISCUSSION

Jesus was a real boy. He was fully human and fully God. He grew up, had birthdays, and learned just like you.

• Jesus listened carefully to Bible teachers.
• Jesus always obeyed his parents.
• Jesus said, “I must be in my Father’s house,”

LIFE APPLICATION (Further Discussion)

There are two lessons for you in this story.

1. Jesus is your example. He shows you what you should be like as a child.
   Remember that Jesus was a real human just like you. He was fully God and fully human. Even more if you call yourself a “Christian.”
2. Jesus’ example shows us we need to be saved. You do not perfectly obey your parents. It’s not because you’re a kid. It’s because of your sin. It’s because you don’t want to obey your parents. We need God to take away our sins and give us a new heart. And that is what He promises to do if we will repent and trust in Jesus.

EVALUATION:

Ask questions corresponding with the specific objectives.

Closing Prayer

Pray that God will help you and me to trust in Jesus to forgive our sins.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY:

You may have: crafts /puzzle / role playing etc…