Primary Text: Matthew 2:1-23
Memory Verse: And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
Introduction:
What events of your childhood do you remember? Do you recall a particular birthday? Do you remember a time of serious illness? Do you have memories of an exciting vacation or family trip? Is your first day of school a vivid reminiscence?
My fondest memories as a child growing up include many evenings I spent seated at my grandfather’s feet learning about the Scriptures. Grandfather Clair Ahlborn was editor of the ACTS magazine for many years, and was also a certified teacher. He taught for many years in the public school system, but also taught classes for the Church of God, 7th Day, at Spring Vale Academy, Illinois, and at Maranatha College in Meridian, Idaho. Both Grandfather and Grandmother Ahlborn dedicated their lives to the study and love of the Word of God and imparted that yearning to me. Both of my grandparents were godly people who gave me a love for the Scriptures and a firm foundation in the Church. Because of this, I can very much relate to the story of the boy Jesus in the Temple.
Luke is the only Gospel that records this event. The story is thrilling because it shows that even as a boy Jesus’ life was all about His Father God. Jesus was obviously well-trained by his earthly parents in the Scriptures. He knew a great deal about God, called the temple His “home” and called God His “father.” Even though a boy, Jesus had His focus on His relationship with God and was fully aware of His responsibility to God. Jesus’ childhood is as much an example to us as was His adult life, reminding us that it doesn’t matter how old you are when it comes to the things of God. God can use the young, the mature, the seasoned and the childlike. And all of us, no matter what age, should be “about our Father’s business.”
Studying the Word
Lesson Study
- What does God do for those who seek Him with all their hearts? Matthew 2:1-2; Jeremiah 29:13
- How does God speak to us? Matthew 2:12; Psalm 119:105; Matthew 7:24-25; Proverbs 15:31; Romans 10:14
- Was Jesus an infant when the wise men finally found Him? Matthew 2:9-11
- What were the two purposes of the escape into Egypt? Matthew 2:13-15; Hosea 11:1; Psalm 80:8
- In what ways does God move us “out of Egypt”? Revelation 18:4; Romans 12:2
- Why is it important that Jesus lived in Nazareth? Matthew 2:25; John 1:46; Psalm 69:19
- The number twelve is symbolic of “administration.” How could that apply to Jesus when He was 12 years old? Luke 2:40-45
- What was significant about Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God? Luke 2:49; John 10:29-39