Nigeria Baptist Church Sunday School Manual For July 12, 2020 : Topic – WISDOM THAT AMAZES
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NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON OUTLINE
JULY 12, 2020
TOPIC: WISDOM THAT AMAZES
Devotional Reading: Leviticus 12:1-8; Numbers 3:11-13
Background Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15; Luke 2:39-52
Lesson Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b; Luke 2:39-52
GOLDEN TEXT
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. – Luke 2:40
INTRODUCTION
Thirteen-year-old Joseph Abraham was born with some special abilities. He was always admired by his friends, teachers and family members because of his rapid growth and displayed of wisdom. Nevertheless, his parents were not too surprised when these qualities began to manifest because it was prophesied before his birth that he would be great and exceptionally intelligent. His parents usually felt he was acting beyond his age. From time to time, while talking to Him. Joseph’s parent made reference to the book of Ecclesiastes that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven. Apart from other areas he has displayed exceptional performance, Joseph had done extremely well in sporting activities and represented his school both at local and national levels. One day after school, his parents were surprised that Joseph did not return home and so they became apprehensive and reported to the police. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Joseph had travelled to a neighboring town to represent his school in a football match, without informing his parents. He assumed his parents knew of his proposed journey. When he eventually returned home, his parents reminded him of his age and counselled him to wait until he is fully matured to adulthood before taking decisions on his own. He was counselled from Ecclesiastes chapter 3.
Today’s lesson centers on the display of Jesus’ wisdom and how He related with the temple scholars to the amazement of the people. When Joseph and Mary finally found Him after three days’ search, they were surprised at His expression about His passion for His Father’s work. Nevertheless, Jesus demonstrated obedience and went home with His parents to Nazareth, where He continued the work of ministry.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED
Jesus Grows in Wisdom Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b; Luke 2:39-40
The author of the book of Ecclesiastes attests to the fact that God has designed everything in life so much that there is a particular time for everything and a season for every activity (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Jesus was presented in the temple on the eighth day to be circumcised and for the ceremony of purification according to the Mosaic Law concerning a male child that opened the womb (Luke 2:23). Having performed everything according to the law of the Lord. Mary and Joseph returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. According to verse 40, four things were noticeable in the life of Jesus: He grew and became strong. He was filled with an amazing wisdom and God’s blessings were upon Him.
Apparently, Jesus’ parents played a significant role in preparing Him for the work of ministry. They demonstrated obedience in the fulfillment of the Old Testament law of consecrating every firstborn child to the Lord and offered sacrifices when they took Him to Jerusalem, even though they knew He is the Saviour of the world. As Jesus continued in His ministry, He exhibited the qualities mentioned in verse 40, particularly in His relationship with people with divine wisdom. He was able to relate with the Pharisees and scribes who constantly argued and accused Him. His style of teaching was uncommon; it was another evidence of divine wisdom in His life. Above all, God’s favour was upon Him throughout His earthly ministry. The lesson here is that it is important for Christian parents to properly guide their children, especially gifted children in order to fulfil their destiny. They should not undermine the importance of prayers, godly counsel, spiritual guidance and exemplary lifestyle so that such children can grow in wisdom and enjoy the blessings of God while fulfilling the purpose of God for their lives.
DISCUSSION TIME
Every stage in the life of a child is significant. What roles do you think parents can play in order to guide their children in gaining divine wisdom?
Describe the role of Joseph and Mary in the life of their Son, Jesus Christ and compare with the roles some parents play today in the lives of their children.
Jesus at the Temple. Luke 2:41-47
Every stage in the life of Jesus was significant with an outstanding experience. It was customary for the Jews to embark on three pilgrimages of Jerusalem each year: the Passover/Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:6, 15-20), the Pentecost (Leviticus 23: 15-21), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Exodus 23:16b). Jesus’ parents have always participated in these events, so the temple experience was already familiar one to Jesus. At age twelve, Mary and Joseph took their Son, Jesus to the Feast according to their tradition, but they never envisaged anything strange. When the Feast was over, Mary and Joseph retuned home but Jesus stayed back without the awareness of His parents. They thought He was in their company probably because of the numbers of Visitors that flocked Jerusalem for the Feast. So they had no reason to suspect He was missing until they began to look for Him among their relatives. At last, He was found on the third day in the temple sitting among Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. The climax was that everyone who heard Him was amazed at the display of wisdom and His intelligent answers. It was indeed an uncommon wisdom that amazed the people.
Jesus’ display of wisdom among the teachers was remarkable and an indication that He was raised by devoted Jewish parents, not forgetting that He was the Son of God. His presence and discourse with the teachers (experts in Judaism) in the temple further showed His foundation in the Law and the Prophets. Instead of being interested in eating, drinking, buying, selling and merry-making. He was utterly engrossed in the teaching in the temple that He did not bother about His parents that they would be searching for Him. Jesus’ presence at the temple was significant, especially the display of His knowledge on the written Word of God. Which amazed His listeners (v. 47). He certainly understood the nature of His ministry and was ready to fulfil it.
DISCUSSION TIME
What steps can the church take to make our teenagers and youths to be committed to the study of God’s Word, so that they can be vast in the Scriptures and apply it?
Discuss the consequences of child neglect in the home, church and the society at large.
Jesus Demonstrates Obedience. Luke 2:48-52
Jesus was an obedient Child. Even though He is the Saviour, He demonstrated outright obedience to His parents. On the third day, His parents found Him in the temple and were astonished. Then, they expressed their displeasure at His actions and the trouble He had caused them. His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” (v.48) Jesus’ reply was amazing. He said, “Why searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (v.49) In other words, His parent ought to know that He would be involved in His Father’s business, which is teaching people the word of God. Nevertheless, Jesus’ response indicated that His relationship with His heavenly Father was of greater importance than being with His earthly parents (Mary and Joseph). Unfortunately, they did not understand what He was saying to them. Nevertheless, Jesus demonstrated obedience and went back with His parents to Nazareth. According to verse 51b, even though His parents did not fully comprehend the implication of His reply, Mary treasured everything in her heart. Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and humankind. Little wonder His ministry was characterized by signs, wonders and salvation.
Jesus was exemplary in all His ways. His life and ministry was characterized by wisdom that seems beyond His age. Despite the fact that His reply seemed harsh to His parents in verse 49, he did not mean to upset them. He only made them realize that His priority was to honour and do the work of His Father. That was why He followed them home immediately. Although Jesus is God, He was submissive to His parents. Unlike some children and youths in our days that are disobedient probably because they are gifted in some areas and earn money to make ends meet in the family. Jesus taught here the need for children to obey their parents. On the other hand, Christian parents should endeavor to train their children to be involved in church programmes and activities, fellowship with others (Hebrews 10:25) to enhance their spiritual development.
DISCUSSION TIME
Was Jesus justified by His response to His parents when He was found in the temple?
If you were in Jesus’ position how do you think your parents would react when they find you after three days?
Were Jesus’ parents careless? Discuss.
Commitment Based on Today’s Lesson
My Personal Commitment
Commitment to My Church
Commitment towards My Relationship with Others
Prayer Points
LORD, ignite our hearts to have passion for Your Word👏
Please LORD, forgive us of the sin of wasting time and wisdom on arguments and debates that are not
edifying👏
Guide us to understand your purpose for our children as we receive grace to guide them to fulfill it👏
Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity
How should parents who have talented children moderate their children’s involvement in the display of their talents especially in public?
Take Home🎈
– God has planned our time and activities here on earth.
– Parents should pray for their children always.
– Children should be involved in church programmes.
– God’ wisdom has no substitute.
– Children should learn obedience to God and their parents
– Parent should not be careless with their children.