Today’s Picture: Finding of Jesus in the Temple by René de los Reyes
Jesus’ Family and Friends: Parents
This week we shall take a look at Jesus, his family and friends.
Today’s story is of the boy Jesus, who has left his small,
backward town of Nazareth to come to Jerusalem.
He is eager to learn from the teachers in the big city.
Even at twelve he seems to be an enthusiastic and independent boy.
In this story Jesus causes distress to his parents who did not understand him.
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To understand Jesus better.
Setting: Imagine yourself in the Temple. Maybe you are a teacher amazed at this clever young boy. Or you may imagine yourself as Mary or Joseph, beside yourself with worry searching for your wayward adolescent.
Luke 2:41-50 HCSB
Every year Jesus’ parents travelled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.
When He was 12 years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival.
After those days were over, as they were returning,
the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents did not know it.
Assuming He was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey.
Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends.
When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him.
After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers,
listening to them and asking them questions.
And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.
When His parents saw Him, they were astonished,
and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this?
Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”
“Why were you searching for Me?” He asked them.
“Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?”
But they did not understand what He said to them.
Conversation: You may want to discuss with Jesus why he behaved as he did.
You may want to imagine yourself talking with Mary and Joseph.
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Today’s Music: My Hiding Place, John Michael Talbot.
Click for more Music by John Michael Talbot