Bible Stories for Kids - The Boy Jesus at the Temple

Once, when Jesus was a young boy, just twelve years old, He traveled to Jerusalem with His family for a special festival. It was a joyful time with lots of people celebrating and praising God.

When the festival was over, Mary and Joseph started their journey back home. But there was one problem—Jesus wasn't with them! Mary and Joseph thought He was traveling with other family members, but after a day's journey, they realized He was missing.

So, they hurried back to Jerusalem to look for Jesus. They searched for three whole days, worried and anxious, until finally, they found Him in the temple. Jesus was sitting with the teachers, listening and asking questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at how wise and understanding He was.

Mary said to Jesus, "Son, why did you do this to us? We've been so worried about you!"

Jesus replied, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?"

Mary and Joseph didn't fully understand what Jesus meant, but they took Him home, where He continued to grow in wisdom and in favor with God and people.

## Activity

### Create a Temple Scene

**Materials Needed:**
- Construction paper
- Safety scissors
- Glue stick
- Crayons or markers
- Craft sticks
- Small printouts of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and teachers (or draw them)

**Instructions:**

1. **Draw the Temple:** On a piece of construction paper, use crayons or markers to draw an outline of the temple. Include pillars and steps.

2. **Create Characters:** Use small printouts or draw and color pictures of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the teachers on another piece of paper. 

3. **Cut Out and Glue:** Carefully cut out the drawings or printouts. Glue each character onto a craft stick to create stick puppets.

4. **Set the Scene:** Set up the temple scene by gluing some characters at the steps and others inside your temple space. Place Jesus inside talking with the teachers.

5. **Reenact the Story:** Use your stick puppets to act out the story of Jesus at the temple. Tell your family or friends what happened and why the story is important.

## Reflection Questions

1. How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they couldn't find Jesus?
2. Why do you think Jesus stayed in the temple to talk with the teachers?
3. What can you do to learn more about God, just like Jesus did in the temple?