Sermon: Lost and Found – Responding to Jesus
Bible Passage: Luke 2:41-52

I. The purpose of Luke 2:41-52 is to tell us who Jesus is, in Jesus’ own words. It takes a difficult ordeal to learn this important truth.

II. This passage is the only Biblical account of the childhood of Jesus. There are various fanciful, non-Biblical accounts of Jesus’ childhood.

III. We see Jesus’ first recorded words. Until now in Luke’s Gospel, others have been speaking about Him.

IV. Some observations about Mary and Joseph:

1. They demonstrated devotion to God’s instructions
2. Temple worship was important to them
3. They were about to experience a growth spurt in their knowledge of Jesus
4. This was a painful way to learn an important lesson. It took them three days to be reunited with the child they thought they’d lost.
5. Mary has an outburst about their anxiety!

V. Some observations about Jesus in this Gospel account:

1. Jesus doesn’t show Himself to be an irresponsible or rebellious child. Rather, the strong message He needs to convey comes through a severe situation.
2. He’s in the Temple – not lost but actively engaged in learned conversation
3. He’s extremely keen – mature scholars are amazed at His understanding
4. There’s no hint of arrogance in his interaction with the teachers

VI. What Luke wants us to know about Jesus

1. Perfect humanity
2. Deity

VII. Lessons from Luke 2:41-52

1. Jesus our substitute whom we can trust
2. Learning from Mary and Joseph
3. The boy Jesus serves as a model for young people today.

Take Away

Follow Jesus’ example by pursuing growth in commitment to the Father, treasuring God’s Word, and day to day faithfulness