Stories of Jesus - Jesus Knew His Father

​BIBLE Bits & Bites ​
Devotions for Families

Season 1: Stories of Jesus
Episode 5: “Jesus Knew His Father”
Today’s Bible Bite: Luke 2:41-52

Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WtVZe5gc7w (Saddleback Kids)

“But why did you need to search?” Jesus asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house" (Luke 2:49)?

Every year, Joseph and Mary made a special trip to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover with their family. But on the year that Jesus was twelve something unusual happened. They began to travel home with their relatives from Nazareth, but didn’t realize until they had traveled an entire day that Jesus wasn’t with them. Mary and Joseph may have been busy taking care of their younger children (we do know that Jesus eventually had four brothers and at least two sisters, Mark 6:3) and assumed that Jesus was hanging out with some of his older cousins. Whatever happened, we know that Mary and Joseph quickly returned to Jerusalem to search for Jesus.

After three days, they finally found him. He was at the Temple listening and asking questions of the teachers, who were amazed at how well He understood things. Mary and Joseph were relieved but also upset. Mary asked Jesus, why He had worried them so badly. That had not been Jesus’ intent–He hadn’t been trying to disobey His parents–and her question left Him a little confused. “Why didn’t you know where to find me? Didn’t you know I would be in my Father’s House?” He knew that God was His Father and because the Temple was God’s House, He had chosen to go there when He got separated from the group. Mary and Joseph didn’t understand, but Jesus returned to Nazareth with them. The Bible tells us that just like any kid, Jesus grew up, became a carpenter like Joseph, learned the lessons he was taught and everyone liked him–after all He was a really nice guy. What was there not to like?

Think about it...

• Why did Mary and Joseph take their family to Jerusalem each year?
• How might Jesus have gotten lost? Why did He go to the Temple?
• Have you ever gotten lost? Where would you go so that your parents could find you?
• How do you think Jesus’ parents felt? How would your mom and dad feel if they lost you?
• Jesus obeyed His parents. Do you always obey your parents?
• What would it have been like to have Jesus as a big brother?

Prayer: Thank you, God, that you know what it’s like to be human. When we need advice we can always turn to you. Help us to make wise choices like Jesus did.