Family Time…Jesus’ youth and a balanced life
Can you imagine Jesus climbing trees and playing tag? Jesus was a boy that grew up! I picture Jesus enjoying life with His brothers and sisters or friends, in a similar way that many people have grown up. It is one of the easiest ways for us to relate to Him. This month’s family time topic from the “Sky Ranch Family Devotional: Follow the Leader” is on “Jesus is Man,“ and the weekly discussion is on “Jesus’ youth and a balanced life.“ Like anyone, Jesus had happy and sad moments. Jesus had siblings and they played the normal sibling games: poking, making fun, laughing, and wrestling. Jesus probably had chores and did His part in the family. However, during the middle school years, Jesus surprised everyone! Besides His very normal teen tendency to wander away from the parents, He seemed to have an amazingly good grasp on spiritual understanding. In the passage below (Luke 2:43-51), Jesus began to show that He was set apart from typical kids. At that time, He was hanging out in the temple with the adults and amazing everyone with His understanding. Plus, He astonished His parents with His show of independence by separating from them for 3 days. For parents this is a great life lesson to remember, in middle school when your kids start to pull away and develop signs of understanding who they are…it is okay and normal. Remind your kids that Jesus did stay in subjection to His parents and make sure to set up a few boundaries, so you are not anxiously running around looking for them as they begin to show their independence…communication is key!
As a Mom, I found these passages some of the most useful for teaching my own kids. We actually broke down the Luke 2:52 into 4 categories and used it to set goals. I am happy to copy good ideas and other Moms shared this one with me. For several years, our family has written down our goals for the New Year during our family time at the Christmas break. We based it on the Luke 2:52 verse and broke the goal setting page into 4 areas: goals for work/school (wisdom), goals for working out (stature), goals for spiritual life (favor with God), goals for friendships (favor with man). We also make a point in the summer to look at our goals to remind ourselves of our plan or adjust the goals. It has been really helpful for us.
This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and asking God to show you how to explain Jesus well to your kids. Pray for God to give you the best way to relate the message that Jesus really can understand you because He went through similar things. It is also a good time to look at family relationships and pray for God to reveal if there is anything that needs discussion. Jesus and His parents had to work through things and you and your kids will have issues to work through too. Also, pray for God to guide you in a discussion about a balanced life style. Pray that God will help you and your kids develop a balance that is good for all of you.
Do you have questions or need prayer for your family? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.
I will be praying for you!
Stacy
Stacy A. Davis
Sky Ranch Family Devotionals and
Teach Intentionally Author
This week we are in the 2nd Topic and 8th Family Time (or page 23) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Follow the Leader”…
Family Time 8:
Topic 2: Jesus is Man…Jesus’ youth and a balanced life
Talk with God: Read…Scriptures and questions below.
Luke 2:43-51 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And His parents were unaware of it, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they [began] looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. 46 And it came about that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 And when they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." 49 And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's [house?]” 50 And they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51 And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all [these] things in her heart.
- In Luke 2:46, how did Jesus learn?
- In Luke 2:51, while Jesus was a child, how did He live with His parents?
Luke 2:52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
- In Luke 2:52, what four areas did Jesus increase in?
Walk with God: Discuss… What can you learn from Jesus’ youth?
Prayer suggestion… Pray for help to grow like Jesus did.
Family Time 8:
Leader Answers:
- Jesus learned by listening and asking questions
- He lived in subjection to His parents
- Wisdom, stature (physical growth), favor with God and favor with men
- Discussion ideas: Jesus gave us a great example of how children are to grow up. Jesus desired to learn, understood He could be taught by others, and was respectful of authority. Jesus also grew in four areas. He grew in knowledge and its application (mental maturity), physical maturity, and He grew in relationships with God and other people. He was well-balanced. Are you well-balanced? If not, what areas would you need to work on?
© 2012 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.
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