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

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'I Will Pour Out My Spirit' (Ac. 2:18)
"[Peter, on Pentecost, quoting God's promise from Joel 2:] "In [the last] days, I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants — men and women alike —..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: John 14:21
"The Lord Jesus gives special revelations of himself to his people. Even if Scripture did not declare this, there are many of the children of God who....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by William Barclay:
"If we are to accept the teaching of Jesus at all, then the only test of the reality of a man's religion is his attitude to his fellow men. The only possible..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Directs and Restores Godly People'
"The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds....."

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!