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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Just an Ordinary Kid?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, When I began My ministry, the folks in My home town of Nazareth were shocked. They didn't expect anything of Me. In their minds, I..."

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, February 5, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Matthew 6:9
"This prayer begins where all true prayer must commence, with the spirit of adoption, "Our Father." There is no acceptable prayer until we can say, "I...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Susannah Ince:
"Even though times of transition are tough, the riches of refinement are worth the pain of loneliness and frustration."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'I Know What You Are Thinking' (Ek. 11:5)
"Then the Spirit of the Lord came on me [Ezekiel], and he told me to say: "This is what the Lord says: That is what you are saying, you leaders in Israel, but I...."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Good Neighbors' (Ep. 4:25-28)
"Dear Father, worthy of my love and obedience, May the thought of deceit or falsehood never enter into my relations with my brothers and sisters in..."

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.

More What Jesus Did!