Notes
1. Christmas is just over. During the Advent period, DD did an inductive study based on various books of the Bible that culminated in the birth of Jesus, Our Savior! The stage is set for her to learn in greater depth Jesus' youth.

2. My emphases for this lesson (for however long it takes!) will be how Jesus, the Son of God, grew in WISDOM, STATURE and in FAVOR with GOD and MAN, and that youth is time for training.

3. I will make mention of Simeon's prophecy and Anna's faithfulness. DD's already familiar with these characters so I will not spend too much time on them. Just these points:
a) Jesus was presented in the Temple in Jerusalem when he was 40 days old.
b) Simeon had a close relationship with God. No death till He saw the “Lord's Christ”. He was there to receive Jesus. Made prophetic words. (Luke 2: 25-35)
c) Anna served God for a long, long time! She was either 84 years or she served 84 years after her widowhood (married only for 7). Spent time praying and fasting. She too was privileged to see her Lord. She bore witness to the Redeemer. (Luke 2: 36-38)

4. Luke is rich with Jesus' infancy narratives: Gabriel's announcement, Elizabeth's and Zechariah's prophecies, Simeon's and Anna's words and blessing in the temple. It also has the only account of Jesus as a young boy in the Bible.

5. When Jesus' parents made their annual a trip to Jerusalem for the Passover in Jesus' 12^th year, Jesus was left behind after the feast. He had remained in Jerusalem and had made His way to the Temple. There he listened, learned, questioned and discussed with the great teachers of the Law. They were astounded by His wisdom and knowledge. But of course, God was His Father! When Mary and Joseph returned to look for Him, they too were astounded. He probably felt more at home going about His Father's business, but he obeyed his earthly parents and returned home with them (Luke 2:51a). He was obedient and subjected himself to them. He was called but it was not yet time to fulfill that call. He would continue to wait, learn and grow. And He did.

6. Three areas of growth echoed that of 1 Samuel 2:26

a) WISDOM -intellectual growth; spiritual insight

b) STATURE -physical size; strength; helped parents

c) FAVOR – spiritual growth and social growth. Jesus found favor with God and with man- “favor” is same as “charis” or grace in verse 40. Jesus was favored by man and also God. He is the mediator between God and Man (1 Timothy 2:5). He was preparing himself for that time when he would enter into His ministry.

My Lesson Plan

1. Laying the foundation
   Quickl review of the first Advent and Christmas story.

2. Presentation
   Part 1 : Simeon's and Anna's blessings
   Take turns to read Luke 2:25-38
   
   Part 2: Take turns to read Luke 2:39-52
   Draw, using stick figures, sequence of events
   Events: Jesus lived with 'parents' in Nazareth; Jesus continued to grow
   Annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover
   12^th year, being left behind incident
   Encounter in the temple
   Parents were perplexed
   Jesus obediently went home with his parents

3. Discussion
   Part 1: DD to narrate the encounter with Simeon and Anna orally
   Discuss internal character of Simeon and Anna
   Significance of their blessings?

Part 2: Some questions:
1. Why did Jesus “linger” behind?
2. Why did his parents not know about his absence till much later?
3. What was Jesus doing in the temple? Why?
4. How did the teachers react to His questions? Why?
5. What was His response to Mary when she rebuked him?
6. Why did his parents not understand His statement?
7. What did Jesus demonstrate when He followed his parents to Nazareth and “was subject to them”?
8. What does it mean to grow in WISDOM, STATURE and to find FAVOR with God and man?
We will define each word and then discuss its application to our own lives.

4. Documentation
   DD to do copy work based on Luke 2:40 and Luke 2:52
   DD to fill chart based on Luke 2: 52 for personal application

5. Other Activities
   http://children.calvarychapel.com/site/pdf/New/Curr169.pdf