Boy Jesus in the Temple (Jan. 18th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time “Great Green Growing” Season (Liturgical Color: Green)

Story in Scripture: Luke 2: 41- 52

Last week, we learned about the presentation of Jesus to God in the temple in Jerusalem. In last week’s story, Simeon and Anna recognized and rejoiced in the realization that Jesus was the promised savior- the Messiah and the world had been waiting for. After Jesus has grown up (he was probably about 12), he traveled with his family to celebrate the Passover at the same temple in Jerusalem. He was quite grown up, but still traveled closely with his family- with his mom and dad and others. As they left Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph thought that Jesus was probably with a family member, but then they realized he was missing. They searched and searched and searched to no avail! Finally, after 3 days, they found Jesus in his “Father’s house” teaching and preaching men many years older and more educated than him. This was surprising to everyone- especially Jesus’ parents. This is such a powerful story because it marks a milestone in Jesus’ life in which he demonstrates that he is very special and very different. The scripture reminds us that Mary again ponders these experiences in her heart as Jesus grows up. Two of the most significant aspects of this story are that they searched for 3 days- a connection to the Resurrection, and the simple way that Jesus acknowledges that he is God’s true son in the way that he calls him “Father.”  

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

-I wonder how Mary felt when she couldn’t find Jesus?  
-I wonder what Jesus was thinking when he stayed behind at the temple?  
-I wonder how the adults felt when they were learning so much from such a young person?  
-I wonder what Jesus thought when he said he was in his “Father’s house”? 
-I wonder what Jesus family members thought when they heard about what had happened? 
-I wonder what Mary and Joseph thought as they remembered back to the things that Jesus said? 

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for his wisdom and the way that we too can be ‘amazed at his understanding and his answers.’ Help us to listen and learn and grow in our understanding too. Amen.”