In the video “Jesus in the Temple” by Saddleback Kids, you’ll hear the simple story of Jesus when he was in the temple. Jesus, who is the son of God and the Savior of the world, was born in Bethlehem in a barn because there was no room in the Inn for him. When Jesus was taken to the temple in Jerusalem by his parents, Mary and Joseph, they encountered a man named Simeon who had been told by God that he would meet the Savior before he died. Simeon recognized Jesus as the promised child who would save them all and blessed him. Mary and Joseph were amazed at Simeon’s words, and there was also a woman named Anna in the temple who gave thanks to God and told everyone that the Savior had come. Throughout the video, you’ll see how Jesus grew in wisdom and favor with God and man as he continued to follow God’s plan for his life.
In the second part of the video, it covers a significant incident when Jesus was 12 years old. Every year, Jesus’ parents would travel to Jerusalem for a festival, and on one occasion, they realized that Jesus was missing as they were returning home. Worried, they went back to Jerusalem and found Jesus in the temple, sitting among the religious teachers and engaging them with insightful questions. Mary and Joseph questioned Jesus about why he had caused them worry, to which Jesus responded that he was in his Father’s house, implying his connection to God. Although his parents didn’t completely understand his words, Jesus returned with them to Nazareth, where he continued to grow in wisdom and favor with both God and man. This story of Jesus in the temple highlights the early signs of his divine wisdom and his mission as the Savior.
Jesus in the Temple
Introduction
The story of Jesus in the Temple is a significant event in the life of Jesus and holds great importance in Jewish culture. It showcases Jesus’ early interactions in the Temple and portrays his devotion to God. This article will explore each aspect of this story in detail and shed light on its significance.
Jesus’ Visit to the Temple as a Baby
Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ parents, made a journey to the Temple in Jerusalem shortly after Jesus was born. This visit was customary for Jewish families and served as an opportunity for the parents to present their child to God. The purpose of their visit was to fulfill the requirements of the Law and consecrate Jesus.
During their visit, Mary and Joseph encountered two individuals in the Temple: Simeon and Anna. Simeon, a devout man of God, had received a promise from God that he would not die until he had seen the Savior. When Simeon saw Jesus, he recognized him as the promised child, took him in his arms, and blessed him. Mary and Joseph were amazed at Simeon’s words, affirming the special nature of their baby.
Anna, a prophetess, was also present in the Temple and witnessed Simeon’s encounter with Jesus. When Anna saw the baby, she gave thanks to God and proclaimed to everyone that the Savior had come. Her testimony added to the significance of Jesus’ presence in the Temple.
Return to Nazareth
After fulfilling their obligations at the Temple, Mary and Joseph returned to their hometown of Nazareth. They obeyed God’s command and entrusted the growth and upbringing of Jesus to their care. Jesus, as he grew up in Nazareth, continued to exhibit wisdom and favor with God.
Jesus’ Annual Visit to the Temple
Every year, Jesus’ parents traveled to Jerusalem for a festival, as was customary for Jewish families. It was during one of these annual visits when Jesus was twelve years old that a significant event took place.
Jesus’ Disappearance
During the journey back home from Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was not with them. Worried, they returned to Jerusalem to find him. After three days of searching, they finally found Jesus in the Temple.
Jesus Found in the Temple
Mary and Joseph found Jesus sitting among the religious teachers in the Temple, listening to them and asking them questions. His active involvement in these discussions amazed those present. When his parents confronted him about their search, Jesus explained that he was in his Father’s house, indicating his deep connection to God.
Conversation with the Religious Teachers
Jesus’ conversation with the religious teachers in the Temple highlighted his wisdom and knowledge of the Scriptures. He impressed those around him with his understanding and his ability to engage in deep discussions. This event showcased Jesus’ unique relationship with God and his spiritual depth.
Misunderstanding and Return to Nazareth
Although Jesus’ words and actions in the Temple perplexed his parents, they eventually left with him and returned to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph did not fully comprehend the significance of Jesus’ statement about being in his Father’s house, but they continued to raise him in obedience to God’s command.
Conclusion
The story of Jesus in the Temple teaches us several valuable lessons. It shows Jesus’ deep spiritual connection from a young age and his dedication to the fulfillment of God’s purpose. It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the significant role the Temple played in Jewish culture. This event also foreshadows the later years of Jesus’ life when he would engage in profound teachings and transformative encounters. Ultimately, the story of Jesus in the Temple highlights the unique nature of Jesus’ mission and his divine identity as the Savior of the world.
