Luke 2:41-52: The Boy Jesus in the Temple

Luke 2:41-52 – The Boy Jesus in the Temple – 11 Sep 2011

(This Bible Study is being made available for you to use, if you would like to, in your personal devotions or with your family or in your small group.) 

Read: Luke 2:41-52

Related passages:

• go to verse 46, underline the word temple, put a little letter a beside it, then in the margin or at the bottom of the page write:  a  John 2:19-22; 1 Cor. 6:19
• go to verse 50, underline the phrase they did not understand, put a little letter b beside it, then in the margin or at the bottom of the page write:  b  Romans 8:38-39; Luke 24:25-32

Extra Info:

• v. 41  Every adult Jewish male was required to travel to Jerusalem to worship at the temple 3 times a year for the Feast of Passover in the spring, the Feast of Pentecost in the early summer and the Feast of Tabernacles in the late fall.  The custom of Jesus’ family to go every year to Jerusalem for the Passover festival indicates that they faithfully followed this Jewish practice.
• v.42  According to ancient Jewish writings, a boy would become responsible for his own religious commitments at the age of 13, one year older than Jesus was at this time.
• v. 44  There would have been a large group of people journeying home together from Jerusalem after the Feast.
• v. 46  The 3 days indicated here would be 1 day journeying away from Jerusalem, 1 day journeying back and 1 day looking for Jesus.
• v. 49 Because it is sometimes hard to translate sentences from one language to another, different Bible translations translate this verse in different ways.  Some translations say, ‘Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?’  Others say, ‘Didn’t you know that I must be about my Father’s business?’ In the original language (which is Greek) this passage says, ‘Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s things?’  This could refer to Jesus’ location (in the temple, which is his Father’s house) and/or his actions (learning about God & life with him, which is his Father’s “business.”).  So this passage could be translated either way.
• V. 52  Even though Jesus was God, as well as human, he didn’t know everything from birth. He grew and developed like any other human child.

Observation:

1. Where was Jesus when Mary and Joseph realized that they had left him behind in Jerusalem?
2. What was he doing?
3. What did Jesus say when Mary told him that she and Joseph were anxiously looking for him?

Interpretation:

1. Why were Mary and Joseph anxious as they looked for Jesus?
2. If, during that time, Mary and Joseph had known where Jesus was and what he was doing, would they have been anxious and worried?  Why or why not?
3. Even though Mary may not have fully understood these events in the life of Jesus when they happened, why did she treasure the memory of Jesus’ words and actions in her heart?

Application:

1. Are there times when you have been worried and anxious over losing something or someone?
2. Read John 10:27-30.  What does this verse say about where Jesus is and what he is doing for you right now?
3. How can that help you when you are anxious and worried?
4. How can you share the comfort that Jesus gives with others?