How can we grow to be like Jesus in all areas?
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
LESSON LIFESAVER Activity
I can grow like Jesus. Luke 2:52 bite-size memorize sticker poster
OBJECTIVE: The activity teaches youth about Jesus’ childhood and how they can be like Him.
They can also understand that God provided witnesses to testify that Jesus Christ is His Son. See TESTIMONY (below*). Also, see Special Witnesses of Jesus Activity (HERE)
TO MAKE Print and color the Luke 2:52 Bite-Size Memorize poster and glue-on stickers for each child.
Spotlight How Jesus Grew – Luke 2:52
Explain to the youth that Jesus was born a tiny baby just as we were. God wanted His Son to grow as we do with loving parents or grandparents or guardians (Mary and Joseph) to teach and guide Him throughout His life. He needed to learn many important things and gain many skills that would help Him organize and lead His Church on Earth. “Jesus increased (grew) in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52
• Jesus grew in WISDOM. His parents helped him learn how to take care of himself, the animals, and the earth. He learned how to be a carpenter to make and build things. He learned how to make wise choices.
• Jesus grew in STATURE. He grew in strength by eating healthy fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, grain, fish, and more. He needed a strong healthy body to prepare for his mission. He walked many miles as He taught thousands of people His gospel.
• Jesus grew in FAVOR WITH GOD. He learned about Heavenly Father, how to read the scriptures and to pray. He learned how to obey His parents and how to serve them and others. He learned His Father’s commandments and how to live a happy life so He could teach us and one day become our Savior.
• Jesus grew in FAVOR WITH MAN. Jesus was a loving and kind friend to all he met. He helped many and had great compassion. He is our best example of what a friend is. His disciples were drawn to Him. They listen to Him tell about God’s plan for happiness.
As we read Luke 2:52 we can learn of all these ways we too can grow to be like Him.
ACTIVITY:
Help youth glue the matching stickers on the poster as they memorize Luke 2:52. Talk about ways they can become like Jesus as they increase in mental (“wisdom”), physical (“stature”), spiritual (“favour with God”), and social (“favour with man”).
THOUGHT TREAT Balanced life balloon cupcakes. Frost a cupcake for each child and top with four gumdrops or jellybeans. With frosting in a tube, frost balloon strings below gumdrops/jellybeans. Tell children they can balance their lives as Jesus did in the four balanced life areas.
*TESTIMONY: Share with the youth your feelings about Jesus Christ, and tell them why it is important to you that He is the Son of God. Help them understand that if they follow Jesus’ example they can be more like Him.
Children’s Words about Jesus
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE John 3:16 ACTIVITY
DISCUSSION POINTS (Scriptures, Jesus Christ)
• Luke 2:52 “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
• To grow in Wisdom is learning new things and using what you learn to help others. It is being able to correctly use information, understand our choices, and make good decisions.
• To grow in Stature means you can take care of your body by eating healthy food, working, and playing. You take care of your home and the things around you. Our physical bodies are the perfectly designed temple, or house, for our spirits (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20)
• To grow in Favor with God means you pray to Him, read His words in scripture, and you keep His commandments. Jesus once told His disciples, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Your obedience shows God you love Him.
• To grow in Favor with Man means you learn to love and help other people, you love and care for your family, and you make good friends. Jesus demonstrated a different way of showing others he cared. He “went about doing good, … for God was with him” (Acts 10:38).
BIBLE SCRIPTURES TO UNDERLINE:
• Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
• Acts 10:38 “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
• John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
DOWNLOAD this scripture poster/card set (HERE or right)
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