What Jesus Did! 'Establishing Faith at an Early Age' — Luke 2:41-47

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends.

When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

— Luke 2:41-47 NLT

Key Thought

So often parents wait until their children are older or in trouble to begin trying to get them involved in spiritual matters. By then, it can often be too late to make a significant difference. God wants us to start early in our children's lives! That way, they get a lifelong foundation that goes with them every step of their way. Don't waste a moment; don't neglect an opportunity to read and explain Bible stories, discuss life and spiritual matters in view of God's will, and pray lovingly with your children and grandchildren!

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, please bless my efforts to pass on a vibrant faith to my children and grandchildren. Help me keep my priorities and my schedule in order so I can fulfill this awesome responsibility and this glorious opportunity with the children that I love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Timothy 3:14-17
  • Deuteronomy 6:4-9
  • Ephesians 6:1-4

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:41-47 NLT — All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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