Sermon text

Luke 2:39–52

[39] And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. [40] And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him. [41] Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. [42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. [43] And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, [44] but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, [45] and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. [46] After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. [47] And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. [48] And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” [49] And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” [50] And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. [51] And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. (ESV)

Call to Worship

Psalm 89:1–5

[1] I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.
[2] For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever;
in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
[3] You have said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one;
I have sworn to David my servant:
[4] ‘I will establish your offspring forever,
and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah
[5] Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! (ESV)

Prayer of Repentance

Our Father in Heaven, we have known the way of the Lord and the justice of our God, and yet have followed the way of sin. We know that the law curses everyone who does not abide by all of it, that the wages of sin is death, and that because of these the wrath of God is coming. But you have said that if we confess our sins, you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So Lord, we do confess, and we plead for your forgiveness and your cleansing. Amen.

Benediction

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. It is in Jesus name we pray. Amen

Weekly Discipleship Resources

<<Get Weekly Discipleship Resources for 12/31/23>>

Weekly Discipleship Resources are tools for families to use to help connect Sunday’s sermon to the rest of your week, fostering conversations and habits of worship.