We all need reminders of who God is and what His purposes are. The mother of Jesus wasn’t any different. When Mary found Jesus in the temple after searching days for Him, she stated, “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”
Note that Mary spoke to Jesus as a child and referenced Joseph, His earthly father. However, Jesus responded with His “first words” in this Gospel account, words that identified the God of the temple as His Father: “Why were you searching for me?” … “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”
This not only confirmed His unique relationship with God the Father, it also reminded Mary of the same. Jesus had to be about His heavenly Father’s business, even if it appeared to strain His relationship with His earthly parents. It had been twelve years since the angelic messenger had proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God, and this incident served as a needed reminder to His earthly parents.*
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Adults
Every week for Volume 4: From Captivity to the Wilderness, Ken Braddy, Lifeway’s director of Sunday School, will offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Adults.
Podcast (adultsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
Tips for Teaching This Week’s Session of The Gospel Project for Students
Every week, student ministry leaders offer guidance to help leaders prepare to lead and teach each session of The Gospel Project for Students. Listen in as he shares:
- The main point of the session
- Any challenges and opportunities for additional discussion that may arise during this session
- Encouragements for leaders
Podcast (studentsleadertraining): Play in new window | Download
A Final Reminder
Don’t forget, you can find tools to help you prepare and lead the discussion in the Additional Resources for this volume. We hope these are a blessing to you as you walk through this session together.
*This week’s leader devotional is written by Matt Capps. It is adapted from the devotions for Unit 19, Session 5 from The Gospel Project for Adults’ Daily Discipleship Guide.
