The only story we seem to get in the Bible describing the childhood life of Jesus is an interesting one. It would seem that Mary and Joseph “lost” their son, but Jesus was right where He knew He should be. In this passage, we note how Jesus knew that He was God’s Son, although He was growing as a human, as well. This might be tough to understand—it was for Joseph and Mary, too! Children can take away from these verses the importance of following God and also obeying Earthly parents. It’s also significant to note that we don’t have to “search” for Jesus. He’s with us always! A scroll craft reminds students of temple readings, and of how parents and God can both be cherished. A maze recounts the story of looking for Jesus through the busy streets.
Bible Verses or Craft Captions to Consider… (Luke 2:41-52)
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. -Luke 2:52
49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. -Luke 2:49-50
Keep seeking HIM…follow Jesus!
Keep JESUS in the center!
Don’t miss Jesus!
I follow God by….. / I follow my parents by……
More Teaching Ideas:
- Watch the teaching demonstration of this children’s sermon and related Bible crafts
- Compare our full Sunday School and Bible Lesson about boy Jesus visiting the temple
- See all our Christmas lesson ideas and Sunday School Curriculum
Craft one: “Serve Man and God Scroll”
You will need:
- Paper towel or toilet paper tubes
- Scissors
- Markers and/or crayons
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Stickers and decorations
- Glue, stapler, or tape
Procedure:
- Cut the paper towel tube, or use two toilet paper tubes.
- Assemble a long thin strip of paper to stretch between the tubes. Tape or staple together as necessary.
- On one side of the paper, list methods of obeying and following God’s rules. On the other, write ideas for obeying parents and authority.
- Attach the papers to the tubes. Roll and tie as desired.
- Add extra decorations, if wished. Read the “scroll” to recount ways to serve God and man, as Jesus did!
Craft Two: “Keep Jesus at the Center Maze”
You will need:
- Markers/crayons
- Construction paper or card stock
- Decorations (stickers, etc.)
- Scissors
- Captions/verses
- Straws or popsicle sticks
- Tape or glue
- Shoebox lid or cardboard
- Small ball or marble (optional)
Procedure:
1. Design a maze structure on paper or cardboard, choosing a centralized location or point to point structure. Place a cross as the center or goal to reach.
2. Glue or tape sticks or straws to make the maze 3-dimensional.
3. Add verses or captions as desired.
4. If developing the 3-D box, roll a marble or ball through the “walls.”
5. If maze design is on paper, use a pencil to work through the maze.