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Leaving a child behind is probably every parent's worst nightmare - and you might be surprised to learn that it happened to Mary and Joseph! Luke Chapter 2 verses 40-52 tell the story of when Jesus Stayed Behind. Jesus didn't realise what all the fuss was about. He was simply in "his Father's house", learning from and discussing with religious teachers. But his parents must have had the fright of their lives when they realised he wasn't travelling with their party, as they thought!
We have here a collection of resources that you can use when you cover this story, including our own re-write of the verses for both older and younger children. Pick and choose the most appropriate for your child's age.
With thanks to Commonforall.com for these wonderful images.
40 The child, Jesus, was growing up. He was growing stronger and wiser, and God looked after him.
41 Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. 42 When Jesus was 12 years old, they set off as usual. 43 When the feast days were over, they travelled home. But unknown to his parents, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem! 44 Joseph and Mary travelled for a whole day, thinking that Jesus was tagging along with someone else in the group. After a while they looked for him among their family and friends, 45 but couldn't find him, so they hurried back to Jerusalem to look for him there. 46 Three days later they found him, sitting in the Temple with the religious teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and replies to questions. 48 When Jesus’ parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother cried, “Why did you do this to us, silly boy? Your father and I have been looking everywhere for you, and were worried!”
49 Jesus replied, “Why would you need to look for me? Surely you knew that I would be in my Father's house?” 50 But his parents did not understand what he meant.
51 Jesus went back with them to Nazareth and did what they asked. His mother never forgot what had happened. 52 Jesus continued to grow wiser as he grew older. People liked him, and God was happy with him.
Print and fold to make a 4-page story booklet of Luke Chapter 2, verses 40 to 52 - the story of how Jesus stayed behind (home alone!) in Jerusalem. We've kept the text short for younger children, who may enjoy colouring in the pictures or decorating the booklet.
Use these caption cards - 4 on the page to cut out - with our Jesus Stays Behind colouring pages for displays, or perhaps as a simple sequencing activity.
This delightful set of 4 Bible colouring pages shows the story told in Luke Chapter 2 verses 40 to 52, when Jesus gives his parents a fright by staying at the Temple in Jerusalem rather than returning with the family. Home alone!
We've added captions to this set of 4 Bible colouring pages, which show the story told in Luke 2 verses 40-52, about Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem to study in the Temple, and what happened when his parents found out that he was missing! What a nightmare for any parents...
When you have read or listened to our retelling of Luke 2:40-52, when Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem and gave his parents the fright of their lives, you can find out what children remember and encourage some interesting writing with this simple comprehension paper, which includes a picture of J
Cut out the 4 sequencing cards and use them to learn the story of Luke Chapter 2, verses 40-52, when Jesus stayed behind in the Temple in Jerusalem and his parents didn't realise until they were on their way home!
We've retold the story from Luke 2:40-52, when Jesus was a boy and stayed behind in Jerusalem to learn "at his Father's house", giving his parents a fright in the process!
There are 4 pages and 4 pictures in this Bible story paper set, depicting the story from Luke Chapter 2 verses 40 to 52, when Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem to learn at the Temple, and his parents didn't realise he was missing.
