Have you ever noticed how children’s eyes light up when they discover that Jesus was once their age? As parents and ministry leaders, we often focus on teaching kids about baby Jesus or adult Jesus, accidentally skipping over the powerful truth that our Savior experienced childhood just like our little ones do.
Through Andrew Peterson’s moving song “Gather Round, Ye Children, Come” and the fascinating biblical account of 12-year-old Jesus in the temple, we have two perfect entry points for helping children connect with Jesus in a uniquely personal way.
Today we’ll explore how to use both this contemporary song and the biblical narrative to help kids understand that Jesus wasn’t just the God who came to save them – He was also a child who grew up, learned, played, and lived life just as they do. Whether you’re a parent looking to deepen your child’s faith or a ministry leader seeking fresh ways to bring Scripture to life, this information will help you bridge the gap between the divine and the delightfully relatable aspects of Jesus’s childhood.
The Greatest “Lost Kid” Story Ever Told
Have you ever gotten separated from your parents at the mall or a big event? Remember that feeling of panic when you couldn’t find them? Well, there’s an incredible story in the Bible about Jesus when he was just 12 years old that might sound pretty familiar!
Picture this: Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, had gone to Jerusalem for a huge celebration called Passover. It was like going to the biggest family reunion ever – there were crowds of people everywhere! When it was time to go home, something unexpected happened that would make any parent’s heart skip a beat.
Just like how you might hang out with your friends at school without checking in with your teacher every five minutes, Jesus’s parents thought he was somewhere in their traveling group, probably walking with cousins or friends. But at the end of a whole day of traveling, they couldn’t find him anywhere!
The Three-Day Search
Imagine losing your Nintendo Switch or your favorite book for three whole days – that’s how long Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus! But here’s where the story gets really interesting. Where do you think they finally found him? At the arcade? Playing sports with friends? Nope!
They found him in the temple (that’s like a church), sitting with the teachers and asking them really deep questions about God. And get this – all the grown-ups were amazed at how much he understood! It would be like you walking into a college classroom and teaching the professor a few things about their subject.
Why Was Jesus Different from Other 12-Year-Olds?
You know how some kids are really good at math, while others are amazing at sports or art? Well, Jesus had something special called wisdom. But what exactly is wisdom?
Think of it this way: If knowledge is knowing that a tomato is technically a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad! Jesus didn’t just know facts about God – he understood things in a way that even the smartest adults couldn’t figure out.
Jesus’s Amazing Answer
When his parents finally found him, they were probably feeling what your parents would feel – relieved but also a little upset! But Jesus said something fascinating. He asked them, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
This wasn’t Jesus being disrespectful. Instead, he was helping them understand something super important: even though Joseph was his earthly dad, Jesus had a special connection with God, his heavenly Father.
What Can We Learn from Young Jesus?
1. Jesus grew up just like you are growing up right now! The Bible tells us he “increased in wisdom and in stature” – that means he grew taller and smarter, just like you do.
2. Even as a kid, Jesus knew what was important to him. Just like you might be passionate about helping animals or being kind to others, Jesus was passionate about understanding and teaching about God.
3. He wasn’t afraid to ask questions and learn from others. Remember how he sat with the teachers? That’s a great example for all of us!
Fun Facts About Jesus as a Boy
- He probably went to school and learned trades from Joseph, who was a carpenter
- He had brothers and sisters (imagine having the perfect big brother!)
- He celebrated holidays with his family, just like we do
- He helped his parents with chores (yes, even Jesus had to do his chores!)
A Special Song About Jesus as a Boy
There’s this amazing song called “Gather Round, Ye Children, Come” by Andrew Peterson that helps us think about something really special – Jesus was once a kid just like you!
You know how your parents sometimes tell you stories about when you were little? Well, this song is like sitting around a campfire while someone tells the most incredible story ever – about how God loved us so much that He became a little boy.
Here’s my favorite part of the song (and the part that makes me think the most):
“So, sing out with joy for the brave little boy
Who was God, but He made Himself nothin’
Well, He gave up His pride
And He came here to die like a man”
Let’s Think About Those Words
Imagine being the most powerful being in the universe (that’s God!) and choosing to become a little kid. That’s exactly what Jesus did! He didn’t just appear as a grown-up – He chose to:
- Learn to walk and talk like you did
- Go to school and learn
- Maybe even skin His knees when playing
- Help His dad in the carpenter shop
- Listen to His mom when she called Him in for dinner
Want to Hear It Yourself?
You can find “Gather Round, Ye Children, Come” on Andrew Peterson’s album “Behold the Lamb of God.” It’s a really special collection of songs that tells the whole story of Jesus, from the very beginning to His birth.
Fun Things to Do While You Listen
- Close your eyes and try to picture Jesus as a little boy
- Think about what games He might have played
- Imagine what it would be like to have Jesus as your friend at school
- Draw a picture of what you think Jesus looked like as a kid
Next time you’re doing everyday kid stuff – like learning something new, helping your parents, or playing with friends – remember that Jesus did these things too! He knows exactly what it’s like to be your age because He lived it Himself.
The Story in the Bible
If you’re curious about Jesus as a kid, the best place to start is in the Bible, in the book of Luke, chapter 2. It’s like finding a treasure map that leads us to understand how extraordinary it was that God chose to experience childhood just like we do.
Remember, whenever you’re dealing with growing up, school challenges, or family situations, Jesus understands exactly what you’re going through – because he was once a kid too!
Let’s Talk About Jesus as a Kid: Discussion Questions
Opening Ice Breaker Questions
- If you could spend one day with Jesus when He was your age, what would you want to do together?
- What’s the longest you’ve ever been separated from your parents? How did it feel?
Understanding the Temple Story
- Jesus was in the temple for three days! What do you think He was talking about with the teachers?
- How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they couldn’t find Jesus?
- Why do you think Jesus was surprised that His parents didn’t know where to find Him?
- If your parents found you teaching adults at church, what would they say?
Making Personal Connections
- What things do you think Jesus might have done as a kid
- What games might He have played?
- What chores do you think He had to do?
- Do you think He ever got tired or hungry like you do?
- How does it make you feel to know that Jesus was once your age?
- What’s the hardest part about being a kid? How does it help to know that Jesus understands?
Exploring the Song (“Gather Round, Ye Children, Come”)
- What does it mean that Jesus was “brave”?
- The song says Jesus “made Himself nothin'” – what do you think that means?
- If you were writing a song about Jesus as a kid, what would you say in it?
Thinking Deeper
- Jesus was found in His “Father’s house” – why was the temple so important to Him?
- How can you spend time in God’s house today?
- What’s one way you can be more like young Jesus this week?
Application Questions
- When you’re at school, how can remembering that Jesus was once a student help you?
- What’s one thing you learned about Jesus that surprised you?
- How would you tell your friends about Jesus being a kid?
Creative Response Questions
- If you could paint a picture of Jesus as a kid, what would it look like?
- What questions would you ask Jesus about His childhood?
- How do you think Jesus showed wisdom when He was your age?
Family Discussion Starters
- What can our family learn from Jesus’s family?
- How can we make learning about God fun in our house, like Jesus did in the temple?
- What’s one way we can grow in wisdom together as a family?
Prayer Prompts
- Dear Jesus, thank you for understanding what it’s like to be my age when…
- Help me to be wise like you were when…
- I want to learn more about you, especially…
Activity-Based Questions
- If we were to act out the story of Jesus in the temple, what role would you want to play and why?
- Can you think of a modern-day example that’s similar to Jesus teaching in the temple?
- What skills or knowledge do you have that you could share with others, like Jesus shared His wisdom?
Notes for Teachers/Parents:
- Let children answer freely and creatively
- Encourage them to imagine details while staying true to what Scripture tells us
- Help them make personal connections to their own lives
- Use follow-up questions like “Why do you think that?” or “Can you tell me more?”
- Share appropriate personal examples to help children open up
- Remember there are some questions we can’t answer about Jesus’s childhood, and it’s okay to say “We don’t know”
Remember to adjust these questions based on your group’s age and understanding. Some questions may work better for older children, while others are perfect for younger ones.