Children STS Lesson 39 The Birth And Childhood Of Jesus
Text: Luke 2:1-52
The birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world was wonderful and truly the greatest event in the history of man. He was born in the most humble and simplest surroundings. He was born in a manger, a stable where animals were kept and fed Yet, He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He was born of a virgin called Mary who was espoused to Joseph, a carpenter. Jesus was born in the little town of Bethlehem in line with biblical prophecy “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). His birth was heralded by angels, revealed to the wise men and witnessed by rural shepherds.
He grew up as a proper and perfect child, increased in wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him. The purpose of His birth was to deliver us from sin, Satan and this evil world. Any child who believes in Him and receives Him into his heart will be given the power to become a true child of God.
- CHRIST’S BIRTH AND THE ANGEL’S ANNOUNCEMENT: Luke 2:1-20
Joseph and Mary were both from the lineage of David. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about the fact that the Messiah would be born through David’s lineage (Isaiah 11:1). When they were in Bethlehem, Mary delivered her child, wrapped Him in cloth and laid Him in a manger, where animals were kept. The angel of the Lord appeared in the field to some shepherds watching over their flocks by night and brought the good news of joy saying, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
When the angels and the host of heaven left them, the shepherds made haste and found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. They spread the news of what the angels told them everywhere and Mary kept all these things in her heart. This shows us that God is able to fulfill all His promises to all who believe in Him. Jesus is a special child delivered in a special way. He came from heaven to earth to show us the way of salvation and to reconcile us with God. Every child also has a purpose why he/she is born. Pray earnestly to God and discover the purpose for your birth.
- CIRCUMCISION AND DEDICATION OF JESUS: Luke 2:21-39
Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after He was born and His name was called Jesus, which was the name the angel gave to Mary before He was conceived in the womb. According to the Law of Moses, they brought Jesus to Jerusalem to present and dedicate Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice of a pair of turtle dove or two young pigeons. After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we no longer need to offer sacrifices of animals to the Lord as done in the old covenant. Instead, we present our bodies, heart and entire lives as well as everything that we have to God. This we do in holiness and righteousness as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1,2), which God really loves. It means that if we really want to be friends of Jesus, we must be holy. We must put away all dirty things like lying, cheating, stealing and cursing; and in true repentance, surrender our lives to God. There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and the man was holy and devout, and the Holy Ghost was upon him. The Spirit of the Lord brought him to the temple when the parents of Jesus brought Him to be dedicated. Simeon took Baby Jesus in his arms and blessed God.
There was also a widow woman whose name was Anna. She was a prophetess from the tribe of Asher. She was about 84 years old and was always at the temple fasting and praying day and night. She also came during the dedication and blessed the Lord for giving her the opportunity to see Jesus. Every saved child should always give thanks to God for the gift of Jesus Christ who came to save us from sin.
When the parents of Jesus had performed all the ceremonies according to the law of Moses, they returned to Galilee to their own city Nazareth. Jesus was dedicated to His Father’s work. He went everywhere preaching the gospel, healing the sick, cleansing the lepers and doing good. Hence, every saved child should be dedicated to the ministry of preaching the gospel in season and out of season.
3.THE CHILDHOOD OF JESUS: Luke 2:40-52
The child Jesus grew and became strong in the spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon Him. When Jesus was 12 years old, His parents took Him to Jerusalem for a feast. After the feast, Jesus remained at the temple in Jerusalem, unknown to Joseph and Mary His mother who thought that Jesus was among their relatives and friends. The parents returned to Jerusalem looking for Him and found Him after three days in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing and asking them questions.
All that heard Him were surprised at His understanding and answers. His parents were not happy that He waited behind without permission but He told them that He must do His heavenly Father’s business and left with His parents to Nazareth where He was obedient to all their instructions. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Jesus lived a perfect life, doing His Father’s business and glorifying God. Once you become a friend of Jesus, your life must glorify God wherever you find yourself. You must please God by constantly doing His will and be a shining light in this dark world.
For a sinful child to live a life that pleases God and shines in the dark, he must:
(i) accept that he is a sinner
(ii) confess his sins and repent of them
(iii) Believe in his heart that Jesus has saved him
(iv) confess Him as his personal Lord and Saviour
(v) continue to follow and serve Him by living a holy life and obeying His word.
QUESTIONS:
- Jesus was born in__________________
- Why was Jesus’ birth necessary?
- The birth of Jesus was announced by__________ to _____________
- The parents of Jesus were met by ___________ and ________________ at the temple.
- How can a sinful child live to please God?
MEMORY VERSE: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
LESSON: Jesus came into the world to seek and save sinners.
THOUGHT: I surrender and accept Jesus as my personal Saviour and Lord.
ACTIVITY: Read Luke 2:42-50 and write in your notebook, what Jesus was doing in the temple and the people He was speaking with.
HOMEWORK: Write in your homework book the service you will render in God’s house.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 12-PRAISE HIM! PRAISE HIM!
CHORUSES:
(1) Jesus is the sweetest name I know.
(2) I know His Name.
(3) Jesus, blessed Jesus.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meaning of these words. You can use your dictionary:
- Dedication
- Conceived
- Holiness
- Espoused
- Heralded.
