Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a small village in Galilee (Matthew 2:22-23). His earthly father, Joseph, was a carpenter who provided for their family, including Jesus’ younger brothers and sisters (Matthew 13:55). Jesus developed like other children. He got taller and stronger. He learned to think and use what He knew to make wise decisions. He learned how to obey his parents and make friends. Most importantly, Jesus learned to love God (2:40, 51-52). At age twelve, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem with His family for the Feast of Passover. Afterwards, Jesus remained behind, unbeknownst to his parents. After three days they found Him in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking questions. When told of His parents’ frantic search, Jesus asked, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49, NKJV) Although Jesus returned home and remained obedient to His earthly father, He recognized that His relationship to His heavenly father, and devotion to God’s purposes for His life, took top priority.
Bible: Read Luke 2:40-52 together with your family.
Family Activity:
Teaching Time: 10 minutes
Materials: paper, pen/pencil, markers or crayons.
Jesus had a childhood, too. Help your child make a comparison booklet of their childhood and Jesus’. Write statements such as:
- Jesus had brothers and sisters. I have _____.
- Jesus’ parent was a carpenter. My parent is ______.
- Jesus lived in the town of Nazareth. I live in _____.
- Jesus learned about God by _____. I learn about God by ______.
Discuss:
- How are you similar to Jesus? How are you different?
- What was “my Father’s business” in Jesus’ day? What is being about our Father’s business today?
Pray:
Pray that your family would be about your Father’s business and ask Him what that looks like for your family.
