Text Study for Sunday, January 5, 2025

Series Theme: In My Father’s House

Reading: Luke 2:41-52

printable version

Connecting Question

Who is a young person who has spoken into your life?

Where do we need more young people to “show up?” Why?

Prayer for Illumination

by-Howard Thurman

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.

CONTEXT

Merry Christmas, Jesus is born! Now what? The Bible shares only a few stories of Jesus before he starts public ministry. Our next sermon series, In My Father’s House, will explore these stories of Jesus’ childhood and youth where you will learn more about the early years of Jesus’ life. How can we use the lessons to raise young people in faith, grow in our own faith, and listen together for God’s promises among us? Join us as we focus on God’s greatest gift, love in human form.

From Dr Matt Skinner at EntertheBible.org:

The first four verses of the Gospel of Luke resemble prologues in several historical writings from the ancient world. This resemblance suggests that the author was familiar with conventions of history-writing, but this does not mean that Luke transmits history as if it were raw chronological data presented from a disinterested perspective. Like all who wrote history in his time (and in modern times), the author of Luke wrote to shape readers’ perspectives on a historical figure. The Gospel of Luke interprets the history it tells through a theological lens, amplifying the theological significance of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.

Look at the Book

The story continues from last week. Where we heard from the prophets Simeon and Anna about who this young Jesus...may become. What were Mary and Joseph’s reaction to Simeon and Anna’s words? Find Luke 2:33.
Read Luke 2:40 and Luke 2:52. These are the bookends of this passage. What are they saying?
What do we learn about Jesus’ parents in 2:41? There were three key Jewish festivals that demanded pilgrimage from people. Check them out here: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/pilgrimage-festivals/
We are still celebrating Christmas. Did you make a pilgrimage for the holidays? Why or why not?
Has your faith ever compelled you to make a journey? Where? Why or why not?
In 2:42-43, what happened? What would that experience have been like?
Has panic ever motivated you to do something? The Bible’s most common refrain is “do not be afraid,” but it would be challenging in this circumstance!
What does this story reveal about Jesus? Where was he found?
Jesus has not gone public yet. Luke 2:47 offers a glimpse of what?
In Luke 2:46, how many days go by? Why is that number significant?
Luke 2:51 describes Mary’s response. What is it?
Turn to Matthew 6:21. What might that verse mean to us in a new year?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

What is something you treasure in your heart? Thank God for that gift!

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | Jan 5, 2025