Life of Christ

“The Father’s Business: A Kingdom Focus at Any Age”

Pastoral Prayer:

Gracious God,

You sent your son down to earth for us while we were still sinners. While he was still young - he dedicated himself to the business of your kingdom and to doing your will above all. The mission of Jesus’ life was clear and compelling because it came from you, Father. For those among us who are young, engrain in them today a desire to know and follow your mission. For those among us who are older, encourage them to rededicate themselves freshly to your mission and to remove all obstacles from their pursuit. May we be drawn to your mission and your mind the way that Jesus was in this story.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Introduction

Background

Questions

Luke 2:41-52 Study Questions

Find a Bible map and identify the distance between Nazareth and Jerusalem.

Read Exodus 23:14-17 & Deut. 16:16. What were the requirements of the law in regard to attending the Jewish festivals?

Joseph & Mary assumed Jesus was with the caravan. What kind of suffering/emotions did they experience when they realized they had lost sight of Jesus? What kind of suffering happens when we lose sight of Jesus today?

What strategy did Jesus’s parents employ first in their search? What could have they done instead?

Where did Joseph and Mary find Jesus and what was he doing?

How did Jesus interact with the teachers of the law, and what does this tell us about Jesus?

Why were the teachers amazed by Jesus?

What emotion did Mary say they experienced while searching for Jesus? How does sorrow/distress play a part in seeking Jesus today?

How does Jesus’s response to Mary show his knowledge/understanding of his identity and emphasize his deity?

Jesus responded in obedience to his earthly parents and returned to Nazareth when he could have continued to learn in the temple. How does this show his trust in God’s timing and faithfulness to God’s law?

BENEDICTION

The Blessing of God’s glory (Eph 3:20-21)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.