The Gospel Project: The Savior is Presented

Intro Option 1: Make the Right Turns

*Hand out mazes to each student

Finding the right path

The path of the Messiah

Over 300 prophecies

Main Point: Jesus always fulfilled the Law, showing He is the Messiah.

The Messiah will fulfill the Law

Luke 2:21–24 (ESV)

21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”

Talk about Jesus coming as a baby

What do we learn about Jesus’s character from His willingness to become a helpless newborn?

Humility

Relational

Essential Doctrine: Jesus’s Humanity (get a student to read)

Jesus born “under the law” (Gal. 4:4)

Repeated use of the phrase “according to the law” (5x)

Mary and Joseph as heroes

God cared for Jesus through Joseph and Mary before Jesus could care for Himself. What does this teach us about the Father’s character?

God is good

God is sovereign

Transition Statement: Jesus had to fulfill the law so that he could bring salvation.

Main Point: Jesus always fulfilled the law, showing He is the Messiah.

The Messiah will fulfill the Law

The Messiah will bring salvation

Luke 2:25–32 (ESV)

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,

according to your word;

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation

31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and for glory to your people Israel.”

OT promises: worldwide peace

Hope for a world that needs saving

From what kinds of things does the world need saving?

War

Sin

Death

Simeon’s patience

Simeon’s guidance by the HS

HS is mentioned 3x

Seeing baby = seeing salvation

Simeon held salvation in his hands

Simeon understood the “already but not yet.”

How will Jesus save the world from its enemies both now and in the future?

Salvation on earth

Salvation in Heaven

Savior of every nation

Transition: Salvation could only happen if Jesus was obedience to the Father

Main Point: Jesus always fulfilled the law, showing He is the Messiah.

The Messiah will fulfill the Law

The Messiah will bring salvation

The Messiah will obey the Father

Luke 2:41–50 (ESV)

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

The significance of ages 12-13

Becoming a man or woman responsible for obeying God’s law.

This annual trip to Jerusalem was even more special this year

It was so special that he stays behind!

Why did Jesus stay behind in Jerusalem instead of returning home to Nazareth with His family?

Captivated by God’s Word

He was focused

What do we learn about Jesus from His dedication to God’s Word and God’s temple at only twelve years old?

It is possible for a young person to be focused on the things of God

His heart was focused on obedience.

Christ Connection: Jesus fulfilled the law and honored God by living in perfect obedience and sinlessness, proving He is a worthy sacrifice for sin. All who trust in Jesus receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life through His death and resurrection and are given His perfect righteousness.

Head: How is the focus of Jesus’s mind at twelve an example for what our focus should be?

“Amazed”

5 year old, quantum gravity-string theory.

What Jesus did as an adult was significantly shaped by what He did as a child and a teenager.

A focus on God today can turn into fruitfulness in God tomorrow.

Heart: What can we learn from Jesus’s desire to be in His Father’s house?

Jesus was “all-in”

What are some practical ways to follow the example of Jesus’s actions in the temple?

Luke 2:52: “Jesus increased in wisdom and favor with God and people”

Luke 2:46: he is listening and asking questions

Cause and effect

Following Jesus’ example

PRAY