July 12
Lesson 6 (KJV)
The Boy Jesus
Devotional Reading: Leviticus 12:1–8; Numbers 3:11–13
Background Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1–15; Luke 2:39–52
Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b
1 To [everything,] there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
7b A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.
Luke 2:39–52
39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
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 to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in [favor] with God and man.
Key Verse
The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.—Luke 2:40
Many Faces of Wisdom
Unit 2: Wisdom in the Gospels
Lessons 5–8
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Recall key elements of the story of the boy Jesus in the temple.
2. Explain how Jesus’ defying of expectations was grounded in His unique nature and calling.
3. Write a prayer of commitment to choose godly wisdom over secular wisdom at all times.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
A. Raising a Child Star
B. Lesson Context: Ecclesiastes
C. Lesson Context: Luke
I. Wisdom in Seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b)
A. In All Things (v. 1)
There’s a Reason
B. In Speech (v. 7b)
II. Wisdom in Exceptions (Luke 2:39–52)
A. Ordinary Holiday (vv. 39–42)
B. Disrupted Travel (vv. 43–48)
Book Smart
C. Precocious Saying (vv. 49, 50)
D. Return to Ordinary (vv. 51, 52)
Conclusion
A. Defying Expectations
B. Prayer
C. Thought to Remember
HOW TO SAY IT
bar mitzvah (Hebrew) | bahr mihtz-vaw. |
Ecclesiastes | Ik-leez-ee-as-teez. |
Galilee | Gal-uh-lee. |
Mishna (Hebrew) | Mihsh-naw. |
Nazareth | Naz-uh-reth. |
Simeon | Sim-ee-un. |
What Do You Think? Which problem do you most need to work on: recognizing when to keep silent or recognizing when to speak up? Digging Deeper What is your plan for improvement? |
What Do You Think? What would you say is a minimum amount of time that parents should set aside weekly to devote to their child’s growth in godly wisdom? Digging Deeper What could or should happen during that time? |
What Do You Think? Under what circumstances, if any, should you let someone wrestle with an issue for a few days rather than providing immediate relief or help? Why? Digging Deeper How do you adjust this approach for children and adults? |
What Do You Think? How does Luke 2:49 speak to the priorities you need to [adapt] or adjust? Digging Deeper How will you do that in ways other than adjusting your time expenditures? |
What Do You Think? What steps can we take to better recognize when a misunderstanding that blocks communication is taking place? Digging Deeper How are the experiences of the disciples instructive for you in this regard (Matthew 16:5–12; John 16:16–18, 25–30; etc.)? |
Prayer
Father, challenge us to grow in Your wisdom as Jesus grew. In His name, we pray. Amen.
Thought to Remember
Being about our heavenly Father’s business is our task—no matter what.
Weatherly, Jon, Petra L. Miller, and Jerry Bowling. “The Boy Jesus.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2019–2020. Ed. Ronald L. Nickelson et al. Vol. 67. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2020. 391. Print.
Comments