Life of Jesus in Chronological Order
Boyhood
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the early years of Jesus’ life including the genealogies and boyhood events as recorded in scripture. Of special note in this lesson is how and why the different genealogies are recorded and the impact of the birth and early years of Jesus’ life.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Comprehend the events within the major divisions of the life of Jesus.
- Feel: Desire to learn more of the life and teachings of Jesus.
- Do: Act upon your knowledge of Jesus by obeying His teachings.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
These genealogies establish the family line of Jesus and how His person is seen through prophecies. They both show He was a Jew with a legitimate claim to be the Messiah.
Matthew describes Jesus' genealogy from Abraham to David to Joseph. Luke describes His descendants from Adam. Matthew's is a royal lineage and Luke shows his natural descendants identifying His tribe.
All written records of Jewish genealogies were destroyed. The destruction of Jerusalem marked the end of the Jewish nation. This destruction not only included the political capital but marked the end of the religious leaders' power, identity as a nation and any legitimate claim of individuals to be the Messiah. Without the written records there was only someone's unverifiable claim. As noted, the only written genealogy remaining are those from Matthew and Luke. These point to Jesus.
The intent of this question is to establish what we learn from scripture regarding the events of Jesus' boyhood. Special note should be given to legends that are not found in scripture and how we must teach the simple truth from scripture.
- The announcement of John's birth
- Mary visits Elizabeth
- John the Baptist's birth
- The angel appears to Joseph
- The birth of Jesus
- Angels announce His birth
- Circumcision of Jesus
- Visit of the Magi
- Flight into Egypt
- Herod's murder of innocents
- Return to Nazareth
- Twelve-year-old Jesus in Jerusalem
This question addresses the lessons learned. It includes but is not limited to information from the text.
The information from the boyhood of Jesus demonstrates true belief in the face of adversity. Furthermore, they did not have the complete picture of what would happen and acted upon a deep faith that God was controlling events.
Today many face similar situations as they begin their journey to spiritual maturity. A young believer may only have belief in Jesus and their need to act in obedience based on faith. This budding faith is generally weak and needs to be nurtured and supported by those with stronger faith. We all must remember that we don't know the full story and are growing in our faith as well. We must encourage new believers to continue to act on their faith even though it might be weak. As we act, our faith will grow stronger as we come to know more of Jesus and follow His teachings.
The Holy Spirit will reveal more of God's will to us as we grow.