Story of the Month
Growing Up Years
Matthew 2:1-23 & Luke 2:40-52
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This is the third story in a three-part series (September, October, and November) presenting the BibleTelling Christmas stories. We recommend that organizations (church, school, home school, storytelling guild, etc.) have three people learn one story each, and be prepared to present it during December at church services, school functions, etc.
Some time after the birth of Jesus, scholars came from the east. Their research revealed that a royal redeemer would one day come to Israel. They studied the stars, and saw signs that indicated this King was now born.
They went to Jerusalem and talked to the king who ruled over Israel. His name was Herod. They said, “Where is the baby who has been born King of the Jews? We have seen His star, and have come to worship Him.”
Now Herod was evil and ruthless. This news of a new king born in his domain angered him. But he controlled himself and told the men he would look into the matter. He called for the priest and teachers to come before him. “Where does your Scripture say Messiah is to be born?”
They were quick to answer. “Oh, He is to be born in Bethlehem.”
Herod returned to the scholars. He quizzed them about the details of the heavenly signs, and exactly when they first saw royal star. He then told them about Bethlehem saying, “Go and find the child, and report back to me. I would like to go … (uh) worship him as well.”
The men traveled the few miles to Bethlehem and went right to the house where Joseph, Mary, and the young child lived. They bowed down and worshiped Jesus, giving him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
God warned the men from the East not to return to Herod, so they avoided Jerusalem and traveled home a different way. That night, an angel appeared to Joseph. “Get up! Herod will send soldiers to kill the child. Take your family to Egypt and stay there until I say return.” So Joseph got up in the night and took his family to Egypt.
When Herod realized the wise men had not obeyed him, he was angry. So he sent soldiers to Bethlehem and had all the young boys killed.
In time, Herod died, and the angel told Joseph it was safe to return to Israel. Still, when Joseph heard that Herod’s son ruled in his place, he thought it best to move his family to Nazareth.
There, Jesus grew, became strong, and was filled with wisdom. The Grace of God was on him.
Every year Joseph’s family went with their relatives and neighbors to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. When Jesus was twelve, something different happened on this trip. When it was time to go home, he stayed behind at the Temple, without his parents knowing. They traveled a whole day, thinking Jesus was among the crowd.
It wasn’t until that evening they realized he was missing. They went back to the Jerusalem and searched for him for three days. Finally they found him in the court of the Temple, sitting among the teachers. He was listening to them and asking questions. All those that heard him speak were amazed at his understanding and ability to answer questions.
His mother ran up and said, “Son, how could you do this to us? We have been worried sick looking for you.”
He said, “Why did you have to search for me? Surely you knew I would be here in my Father’s House doing His business.” They did not understand what he was talking about.
Jesus went back to Nazareth with his parents and lived in submission to them. He grew, and matured, and was respected by all that knew him, and God’s blessing was on his life.
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