Growing in Faith: Jesus at the Temple
Jeremy Skaggs   -   January 12, 2025

We explore the significance of Jesus’ early life, focusing on the account in Luke 2 where Jesus, at age 12, stays behind in Jerusalem.

We discuss the importance of

  • family traditions in fostering faith,
  • the concept of multi-generational discipleship, and
  • the early awareness of one’s calling.

This narrative offers profound implications for our spiritual lives, encouraging us to engage in intentional faith practices and foster inter-generational connections within our church community.

Takeaways:

  • Cultivate Christian family traditions: Regular worship attendance, family prayer time, and Bible study can significantly impact our family’s faith journey.
  • Embrace multi-generational discipleship: Following Jesus’ example, we should sit, listen, and ask questions to learn from both older and younger generations.
  • Recognize your calling early: Like Jesus at 12, young people can have a deep sense of purpose and calling. We should encourage and support them in exploring their unique roles in God’s plan.

As we move forward, I encourage each of you to reflect on how you can implement these lessons in your own lives.

Consider how you might strengthen your family’s faith traditions, engage with different generations in our church, and support our young people in discovering their calling.

May God bless you and guide you as you continue to grow in faith and understanding.

 

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Jeremy

 

Growing in Faith: 12y/o Jesus at the Temple

Sunday, 12 January 2025
Luke 2.41-52

Christian Legacy

  • Importance of family traditions with religious elements
  • Ways to impact family’s Christian faith:
  1. Regular worship attendance
  2. Family prayer time
  3. Bible study and discussion
  4. Teaching about Christian charity and service
  5. Celebrating Christian holidays as Christians

Lost in Transit

  • Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem
  • Journey details and family dynamics
  • Realization of Jesus’ absence

Sit, Listen, Ask

  • Finding Jesus in the temple
  • Jesus’ actions:
    • Sitting among teachers
    • Listening to them
    • Asking questions
    • Steps for growing in faith
    • Sit among those who know more
    • Listen to what they say
    • Ask questions

Our Common Ground

  • Multi-generational ministry
  • Importance of engaging with different generations
  • Questions to ask younger generations about faith
  1. What does your faith mean to you?
  2. How do you feel God is working in your life right now?
  3. What challenges do you face in your spiritual journey?
  4. What are your favorite Bible stories or verses?
  5. How do you like to connect with God—through prayer, music, or something else?
  6. What role does your church community play in your life?
  7. What activities or programs do you wish our church offered?
  8. Who has been a significant spiritual influence in your life?
  9. What questions do you have about faith or the Bible?
  10. How can we support you in your spiritual growth?

Never Too Young

  • Jesus’ awareness of His divine sonship
  • Encouragement for young people to recognize their calling
  • Exploring passions and gifts
  • Embracing one’s purpose with confidence

 

Small Group Guide: Growing in Faith: Jesus at the Temple

Sermon Text: Luke 2.41-52

Prayer:
Begin the session with a prayer, asking God to guide your discussion and help everyone apply the lessons from the sermon to their lives.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Family traditions, especially religious ones, are crucial for instilling faith in younger generations.
  2. Spiritual formation is a multi-generational process that involves sitting, listening, and asking questions.
  3. We can learn from people of all ages, and intergenerational ministry is essential for church growth.
  4. Young people can have a strong sense of calling and purpose, just as Jesus did at age 12.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What religious traditions does your family practice? How have these traditions impacted your faith journey?
  2. The sermon mentions “Sit, Listen, Ask” as steps for spiritual growth. How can we apply these principles in our daily lives and within our church community?
  3. Reflect on a time when you learned something significant about faith for someone of a different generation. What made that experience meaningful?
  4. How can our church better facilitate multi-generational ministry and conversations?
  5. What challenges do you face in teaching a younger generation about faith? How can the church community support you in this?
  6. Consider younger members of CLC: Do you feel their voice and perspective are valued in our church? How can older members better engage with them?
  7. The sermon mentions Jesus’ awareness of His calling at a young age. How did you first become aware of your own calling or purpose? How has it evolved over time?
  8. What steps can we take to create a multi-generational environment where all generations feel welcome and valued in our church?

Practical Applications:

  1. Intergenerational: Partner with someone from a different generation. See if you can meet for coffee or a meal in the next month to get to know each other better and discuss your faith journeys.
  2. Family Tradition Challenge: Create or revive a meaningful religious tradition in your family. Share your plans with the group and report back on how it goes.
  3. Sit, Listen, Ask: Attend a church event or service you don’t usually participate in. Practice sitting, listening, and asking questions to gain new perspectives.
  4. Calling Reflection: Spend time this week in prayer and reflection about your calling. Journal your thoughts and share any insights with the group next time.

Closing Prayer:
End the session by praying for wisdom and grace in applying these lessons, and for unity across all generations in our church community.