Luke 2:40‑52

Unfold several pieces of newspa­per. Lightly color or paint three pieces of newspaper brown. The first and second piece should be colored green on the back side. Begin to roll the first piece with the green rolled inside. You should be making a brown hollow tube. Before you finish this piece, over­lap the edge of the second piece, so you have one continuous roll. Make sure the brown side is out each time. Repeat for the next piece. Tape the outer edge to keep the roll tight. Make four cuts in the top of the roll. Place your thumb inside the roll, pull out in a twist­ing fashion. Each time you men­tion growth, pull the top of the tree to make it grow.

an illustration needs to go here of the paper tear

We know very little about Jesus' childhood. Luke gives us a tiny glimpse. Luke 2:40 "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."

JESUS GREW

We see Jesus grew physically, spiritually (strong in spirit), and mentally (filled with wisdom). It is God's perfect plan for all his chil­dren to grow physically, spiritually and mentally. In order for our physical bodies to grow, we must eat the proper foods. If we want our spiritual man to grow, we must eat soul food. This is not to be confused with turnip greens etc. The spiritual food that we are to eat is fellowship with God through prayer and Bible study.

GRACE OF GOD WAS UPON HIM

The word grace means "unmerited love and favor of God." Grace is the influence of God that refreshes and strengthens a person. Jesus had the grace of God upon Him and we have that grace resting upon us also.

 Ephesians 4:7 "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."

 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

 We have been given grace, but we also need to grow in grace.

 Grace also means charm. I believe Jesus was considerate and used good manners. It is important that boys and girls develop the social graces of good manners and un­selfishness. I believe the more time we spend with the Father, the more we will find ourselves being more considerate of other people.

 JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM

The Feast of the Passover was a very special time. After Israel escaped from Egypt, God com­manded His people to keep this feast on the 14th day of the first month of the Jewish year. This corresponds to March or April on our calendar (Numbers 9:2 & 3). For seven days they ate flat, unleav­ened bread. The first and 7th day of the feast were holy days and no one worked. It sounds like a holi­day and that is exactly what it was. They burned a sacrifice to God every day for seven days (Leviticus 23:5‑8). This feast was to commemorate God's divine provi­dence. It was a reminder that the death angel had passed over the homes with the blood over the doorpost and spared the oldest son. In the Egyptian homes, the oldest male lay dead.

 Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of the Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old, he accompanied them. Nazareth, where Jesus lived was 70 miles from Jerusalem. Not a long trip by car, but by foot it was a long distance to travel. Can you imagine traveling by foot over the rocky, rugged terrain?

 THE TRIP BACK HOME

After the Feast of the Passover, it was time to go back home. Many from Nazareth traveled together for protection and fellowship. The children played and walked togeth­er in groups. After the first day's journey, Mary and Joseph began to look for Jesus. They searched among their relatives and friends, but didn't find Jesus. I can hear them calling and frantically asking person after person, "Have you seen Jesus?" Each person re­sponded the same, "No."

 When they didn't find Him, Mary and Joseph went back to Jerusa­lem hunting for Jesus. It was a long walk back, a whole day's walk back to Jerusalem. It was not until the third day that they found Jesus (Luke 2:46). There He was, of all places, sitting in the temple. What an unusual place to find a boy! That is similar to hunt­ing for a sixth grader and finding him at school, asking the teacher questions and studying.

 But Jesus longed for more knowl­edge about God. He eagerly sought God and the wisdom that comes from Him. God prom­ised in His word, if we hunger and thirst after righteous­ness, we will be filled (Matthew 5:6). Jesus' desire to become more acquainted with God, came from God. That same hunger to know God is available to you, if you ask Him. Ask God to give you a desire to read His word and be filled with His wisdom.

 JESUS AMAZES THE DOCTORS

These were not medical doctors, but learned men of the law or Bible scholars. These doctors were respect­ed and revered in the com­munity. Jesus was thrilled to learn from these men. He must have sat for hours listening to them explain the Bible.

 The doctors were amazed at the understanding and knowledge Jesus possessed. This knowledge was not His because He was God's son and possessed all kno­wledge. Instead, this knowl­edge is available to born again Christians today. Our great teacher, the Holy Spirit, gives this knowledge to believers. Philippians 2:7 "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a ser­vant, and was made in the like­ness of men." We have the Holy Spirit to reveal the meaning of the scriptures to us, but often, we are too lazy to apply ourselves. We must search the scriptures, like a miner searches the dark mines for gold. Priceless nuggets, far more valuable than gold, are there for you to dig from the treasure chest of your Bible.

 Jesus heard and understood what the doctors were saying to Him. So often, we sit in services where the Word goes forth, but we do not comprehend what we hear. God wants to give us hearing ears and seeing eyes so we can receive the promis­es He has stored for us (Matthew 13:14 & 15). Ask God to open your understanding. Ephe­sians 1:16‑19 is a prayer that Paul prayed for the Ephesians. It would be a good prayer for you to pray each day.

 When Mary questioned Jesus concerning his whereabouts, Je­sus did not respond sarcastically or rebelliously. He was submissive to them. His response was, "Did­n't you know I would be about my Father's business?"

 BACK HOME AGAIN

(Luke 2:52) Jesus was not content with the knowledge He had gained. He continued to grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. We also should continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge. This growing process should never stop.

                    A BATTERY

Props: Nine volt bat­tery and a radio.      

This battery has the power to make my radio work. But it won't make anything work lying here in my hand.

God's word is like a battery. With­in its pages reside the power of God. It con­tains God's provi­sion for sickness, sin, heart­ache, or any­thing you might need.

It's not enough to have a battery. I must put the battery in the radio and hook up the wires for it to work. If I don't put the battery in the radio, its not the battery's fault that my radio doesn't work, it is my fault.

The same application applies to spiritual matters. If we don't read and believe God's word, it is not God's fault that we don't have the blessings He promised us.

If I put the battery in the radio without hooking up the wires, will it work? Or if I hook up the bat­tery, but fail to turn on the switch, will you hear the radio? No, you've got to follow the steps.

We have to follow the steps God has laid out in His word or we will not receive the promise. Remem­ber, God gave us the plan to re­ceive His promises. That plan is not a secret; it is simply . . . be­lieve and obey. You can't believe or obey, if you don't read the Bible.

There are different size batteries. Just any size battery won't work in my radio. This radio requires a 9‑volt size.

The Bible contains a variety of promises. There are different scrip­tures for different needs. You won't see results if you open your Bible, place your finger on a prom­ise and claim it for your situation. Instead, you need to find the scrip­ture that fits your problem. Claim that particular verse and believe God for the answer.

                           LOVING JESUS

Why is it when you decide to stop doing something, it seems harder than ever to quit? Have you ever experienced what I am talking about? You decide to quit fighting with your sister and she gets meaner than ever. Or you decide to cut back on junk food, only to win a 50 pound bag of candy in Children's Church.

Do you know what I mean? Your mom tells you no snacks before supper. You're starving! So you decide to watch some TV until supper. Everything that you see on TV is about food. A commercial is presented on showing hot, gooey pizza or fresh baked cookies. You say to yourself, I'm not gonna think about cookies or pizza. I have to wait until supper, but the more you say you're not gonna think about food, the more you actually think about it. The best way to forget how hungry you feel is get your mind on something else. Think about your favorite sport or a good book that you have been reading. You could busy yourself by working on a craft or by playing outside. You might even try cleaning up that junkyard you call your room.

The same holds true in a Christian's life. The best way to avoid sin is to spend lots of time making friends with Jesus. The more you fill your heart with His word and the more you spend time in prayer, the less sin, you'll find yourself commit­ting. Instead of thinking about all the things you shouldn't do, think about how much Jesus loves you and all the wonder­ful blessings you have.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, what­soever things are honest, whatso­ever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

                      SINS BE GONE

MATERIALS: Pitcher of water, glass, Styrofoam, and a tray to catch the overflow.

PREPARATION: Spray a dark color several small pieces of packing Styrofoam or peanut. Make accor­dion folds using 4 strips of 3/4 inch X 8 1/2 inch paper for the legs and arms. Copy and cut the face and hands from this page and attach all pieces to the glass with tape. (Remember practice!)

Boys and girls, I would like to introduce- Gloria Glass! Observe her sparking, spotless beauty. Christians are sparkling clean like Gloria, after Jesus washes away their sins.

It didn't take Gloria long to notice some bad habits were blemishing her beauty. (Add prepared Styrofoam as you name specific habits or sins.) Somehow she knew she had to break her bad habits and become a better Christian example. But how must she do it? Deter­mined to break her bad habits, she began to try very hard. Yet the lies and the tantrums contin­ued.

One day, Gloria's teacher talked about the importance of studying God's word. She said, "You must hide God's word in your heart, so when you are tempted you will be strong against it. You need to pray every day and ask God for strength to resist sin." Gloria Glass listened very closely. That's what she needed. She needed to be strong against sin. That afternoon she reviewed the lesson points in her mind. (1) Study God's word. (2) Hide it in your heart. (3) Pray every­day.

Gloria began immediately, to mem­orize scripture verses about lying and anger. She began a daily prayer time, but didn't just use the prayers she had memorized as a child. She started talking to Jesus just like she would her best friend. After all, she was beginning to find out Jesus was her best friend. (Pour the water into glass. Be sure you do not pour the water directly onto the peanuts. Continue pour­ing, until all the peanuts are out of the glass.) She began to notice, she didn't want to talk back to her mom anymore, and one day she realized there were other habits that she no longer had. Gloria's mom noticed the changes also and Gloria was thrilled.

Hiding God's word in your heart will work for you too. Why don't you try it?

THE WINNER

"And the winner of the Bible Knowledge Contest is, Eric Smith," announced Miss Crabtree.

Eric stood up proudly and scram­bled to the front. "Of course he was the winner," Eric thought, as he accepted the coveted prize of five dollars from the teacher. No one else in the class knew half the stuff about the Bible he knew. He probably knew more about the Bible than even the preacher.

Eric had dreamed of winning the money. It was more money than he had ever owned. Life was hard on the small farm where he and his folks had recently moved. Every penny went toward food for the family and fixing up the old farm they now called home. But this money was his. He could do whatever he wanted to do with it. For a whole year, Eric had read and studied each week until he could see the words in his mind when he closed his eyes. Finally the hard work had paid off and the money was his.

Eric had been so busy doing his chores and working on the contest that he hadn't even decided what he was going to buy with his money. He must spend the money quickly, before it burned a prover­bial hole in his pocket. It was a good feeling to be rich, the pos­sessor of five whole dollars. But none the less, he was anxious to exchange the hard earned money for some treasure he could enjoy.

Convincing Mom that he could handle the long ride into town by himself was another matter. Dad had just been into town the week before and probably would not be going back for another month or maybe longer. Eric couldn't stand the thoughts of waiting a month.

"Mom, please let me ride into town to spend my money," Eric pleaded. "I'm big enough and I'll be careful. Honest I will."

 "Well, I don't know," Mom rea­soned. "We'll just have to see. Let me think about it."

 "Does that mean I can go? Does it, Mom? Does it? Oh please Ma­ma, I'm big enough!" 

"Well, let me talk to ya Dad. We'll see. Go read ya Bible. It's almost bedtime."

 After hanging his clothes on a rusty nail that protruded from the wall, he reached for his Bible as he had done since he was old enough to read. Realizing what he was doing, he drew back an empty hand. "No, I think I've read the Bible enough to last me a long time. I think I'll just rest tonight."

 He wiggled around on the lumpy bed trying to find a comfort­able place before his brother joined him for the night.

 Bobby was surprised to see Eric settled in bed so quickly and gent­ly teased him. "What? You first in bed tonight? You mean you're not gonna be burning the midnight oil studying ya Bible?"

 "No! I figure I know all about the Bible I'll ever need to know. I don't think I'll be doing much Bible studying for awhile."

 "Wait a minute, little brother. Studying ya Bible is a lot like d­rinking water. Just cause I drink all the water I want today doesn't mean I won't need to drink some more tomorrow."

 Angrily Eric spewed "How 'bout just blowing out the lantern. I'm trying to get some sleep." 

"All right! No need gettin' all huffy. Good night, Eric." 

"Good night, Bobby."

 Eric popped out of bed the next morning like a cork and anxiously began to question his mom. "Did you ask Dad if I can ride into town by myself Saturday?"

 "Your Dad isn't real wild about your going so far all by your­self."

 "Awe Mom! It's not far. Besides, I'm not a little kid any­more."

 "Dad said if ya be careful, he guessed it will be all right," Mom rubbed his head as she replied.

 "All right! I'll be careful, honest Mom."

 "Now you best be gettin' ya chores done."

 Eric could hardly contain his ex­citement. He could actually go into town by himself Saturday and spend his money. It seemed like Saturday would never arrive, but finally it did. Eric didn't need any­one to wake him up that morning. The first ray of light caught him buttoning his faded brown shirt. He made so much noise doing his chores that the entire family gave up their endeavors for additional sleep and climbed out of their cozy beds. All the chores were done in record time. Sweat dripped off Eric's face as he came inside to wash up for breakfast.

 "Looks like it's gonna be a real scorcher today, Son. Better be sure to take along some water. It's a long ride into town and on a hot day like this a fellow could get mighty thirsty." 

Eric gobbled his breakfast and washed down the last of his bis­cuit with cold milk, that had been chilled in the well. Eric stuffed his hand deep into his pocket search­ing for his money. It was a good feeling to have all that money to do whatever he wanted to do with it.

 With a hurried goodbye Eric mounted the hum­pbacked horse and started toward town. After passing the last house before getting to town, he realized he had forgot­ten to bring water with him. He agonized over the situation. He knew how impor­tant it was to have water on a hot day like this. But on the other hand it would take too much time to go back now. As he slowed to turn his horse around he remem­bered a water hole his Dad had stopped by once. It was a little off the trail, but not nearly as far as having to go back home now. He decided to continue the ride to town and just take a little detour by the water hole.

 It was a beautiful day. Eric thought of his brother's advice. "Just 'cause you have enough to drink today doesn't mean you won't be needing something more to drink tomorrow." His brother treated him like a baby. He didn't need to read his Bible everyday. He had studied enough for a life­time. He had won the contest and now he could spend his time doing more important things. Things that really count, like fishing and stuff.

 The sun began to glare brighter and hotter as it rose steadily in the sky. Eric repeatedly wiped sweat from his face pro­duced by the hot summer sun. Eric wished he had brought water. He had been around the farm long enough to know how important it was to have water with him. Why hadn't he taken a few minutes to go back and get it? Just knowing he lacked water made Eric feel even more thirsty. His mouth and throat felt scratchy and parched.

 Eric spurred the horse, hoping to reach the water hole as quickly as possible. His eyes searched franti­cally for a side road leading to the water hole. "I should have come to it by now. It must be up ahead," Eric reasoned. He rode a few yards. Confused, he circled back. He followed a narrow path he hoped would lead to the water hole. Somehow it just didn't look right, but he had to find water. His eyes searched the area for a land­mark that would help him get his bearing and locate the water hole. His throat hurt and he felt scared. Nothing looked familiar to him. He turned his horse to go back to the well traveled road leading to town. It was then he realized, somehow he had wandered off the path that led to the road. He couldn't re­member how to get back. "Don't get excited he told himself. Stop a minute and get your bearing." A scraggly tree looked familiar, so he headed toward it. Reaching the tree, he realized he was going in the wrong direction. His eyes searched the area for something, anything that looked familiar. It was hopeless. The realization swept over him causing his body to quiver. He was LOST.

 Eric climbed off his rusty colored horse. What was he gonna do? He didn't have any water and now he was lost. His Dad had told him to stay on the trail. Hot tears stung his face. What was he gonna do? He must remain calm. He felt afraid. Suddenly overwhelmed with "what ifs," he fought back the tears. What if he never found the trail back to the main road? What if he had to spend the night out in the middle of no where? With his mind whirling, a scripture he had memorized for the contest bubbled up to his consciousness. "What time I am afraid I will trust in thee." And then another scrip­ture. "God has not given me a  spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind." The words seemed to flood his mind bringing a sweet peace. As Eric stood beside his horse trying to decide what he should do next, he realized he no longer felt afraid. The verses he had memo­rized had helped him. He didn't feel much like a winner, but he knew God was there with him. He'd learned a verse 'bout that too. Right now those verses he'd learned were more valuable to him than the five dollars crumpled in his pocket.

 "Eric! Eric!" Could someone really be calling his name? He strained his eyes to see. It was Bobby. Eric jumped on his horse and galloped to Bobby's side. 

"Why did you get off the trail?" quizzed Bobby.

 "Well, I was thirsty and I thought I remembered a water hole around here someplace." Eric explained.

 "The water hole is a ways back. You missed it. You should have brought some, but here have some of mine," offered Bobby.

 Another scripture flashed into his mind as he gulped the refreshing liquid. "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so pant I after thy word."  

"How did you find me?" Eric ques­tioned between gulps.

 "Dad had me follow you this morning. He knew how impor­tant this was to you, but he didn't want anything bad to happen to ya neither. He had me wait a while then ride behind ya."

 "Well, come on. It's time we were getting into town. Lead the way big brother."

 Eric had been wrong about many things today. He was wrong 'bout where the water hole was, bout leaving the water behind and 'bout getting off the road. The worst thing was thinking he already knew all he needed to know 'bout God's word. Just like you never quit needing a drink of water, ya never quit needing more of God's word. Eric had learned many les­sons that day. He didn't plan to forget any of them either.

                         CRAFT

 The Bible hasn't al­ways been in the form it is today. The first Bible was called a To­rah. Torah means five books. The Torah was written on scrolls.

 Your class might want to make their scrolls with popsicle sticks and paper. Divide a piece of 8 1/2 X 11 paper into three strips lengthwise. Each child should write the memory verse on a strip of paper. Lay one stick on each end of the paper and tape in place. Roll the paper on the sticks toward the center. Tie the scroll  with a small piece of craft ribbon.

 Explain that God inspired men to write the Bible. Encourage them to repeat the verse with you as you talk to the children about the importance of the Bible.

                                                                                                         Skits

                                                                                          TOWN MEETING

 Puppets: A man and an older lady. Add as many townspeople as you have puppeteers.

Group the puppets together with the sheriff in the front, as if having a town meeting.

 : Folks, the reason I called this here town meeting is . . . 

: I was a wondering that myself. Just why did you call this here meeting?

Sheriff: I was just a fixing' to tell ya. Now listen up.

Deputy: I'm a listening. I'm a listening.

Sheriff: As I was a saying, fore I was interrupted by my deputy.

Deputy: That's me. I'm the Deputy Sheriff of West Glory Town. Yes sir, I shore am!

Sheriff: The Sin Gang is headed this away. (people sigh) They are being led by our arch enemy Deceiver. Now there is no need for you folks to get all stirred up, cause there's nothing to be worried about. I got a plan. Well, actually, it ain't my plan at all. It's God's plan. The Bible tells us to "Resist the devil and he will flee from you." So that's just what we gonna do around here. Ya hear me?

Older lady: And just how we gonna resist that old stinker? I can't resist somebody like Deceiver!

Deputy: Yeah, Deceiver is rough!

Sheriff: I know he's rough!

Deputy: And, and he's tough!

Sheriff: I know he's tough!

Deputy: And he's strong!

Sheriff: I know he's strong!

 Deputy: Oh, you smelled him too, huh? Ain't no little old lady gonna be able to stand up against Deceiver. I got an idea, lets (yelling) RUN.

 Sheriff: Now calm down, Deputy. Ain't nobody gonna do any running. Ya hear? It don't matter how old you are, you can still stand up against Deceiver. It don't have a thang to do with ya age. What counts, is whether or not, you believe God's word. Now don't fall for the old rascal's tricks neither.

Man: Don't we need guns or something?

 Deputy: (loudly) Bang! Bang! Bang!  

Sheriff: Would you cut that out! 

Deputy: You know a fellow could get hurt with guns. Why don't we try offering them some sheriff's cooking? That stuff is deadly.

 Sheriff: (Ignoring the deputy.) I was just gonna say everyone arm yourself with ya guns. You men and women gather up all your 66‑shooters. Let the kids round up their 27 models. If you don't have enough of them, then fetch ya Sunday School derringers. 

Deputy: Man, you must be kidding. We ain't used our Bible guns in a long, long time. I mean, like a long time, Sheriff. I don't even know where mine is.

 Sheriff: That's exactly why we got this trouble now. When people quit studying the word of God, the Sin Gang comes in and takes over. Now folks I'm a telling ya, your only protection is to learn how to use them Bible guns. Now get busy! (All puppets exit.)

 Deputy: (Takes hat off and scratches head.) You mean we brought the Sin Gang to our nice, quiet, little town by neglecting the word of God. That wasn't any too smart of us, now was it? (Exit)

 Voice: When you neglect hearing and reading the Bible you will notice that you have more and more problems with sin creeping in on you. Psalms 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee."  God's word in your heart is your best protection against sin.

                                                                              DEPUTY THINKS IT OVER

 (Deputy thinks over the sheriff's conversation and re-enters. He is totally disgusted with the sheriff. This should be humorous by adding childish gestures. He leaves as suddenly as he enters.)

  Deputy: I just don't understand Sheriff Star. What he ought to do is . . . Well, he ought to . . . just . . . ah. I don't rightly know what he ought do, but he's a smart enough fellow. He ought to think of something better than using them Bible guns on the Sin Gang. I just ain't gonna do it! I ain't gonna get out my sixty‑six shooter. I don't even know where the thang is, anyway!

                                   HORACE THE HOARSE HORSE 

Horace: (With glasses on, reading the Bible.) "Thy word h-h-have I hid in my heart, that I might not s-s-sin, against thee." I heard what the sheriff h-h-had to say. I did, yes I did. I'm a learning h-h-how to use my 66 shooter on Deceiver. I'm a smart horse and I'm gonna tuck away some bullets by memorizing me some verses. Yes, I am. I shore am. I'm s-s-saying them over and over. Ain't no S-S-Sin G-G-Gang gonna come in and tell me what to do. No sir! No sir‑re!