January 29, 2024
I love this story, because it’s one of the only times we get to meet Jesus outside of adulthood. I mean we see him as a baby in scripture, but it’s not as if he has any lines or dialogue. We don’t know much about him. But here, we meet Jesus the adolescent, we meet Jesus as a teenager coming of age. And because so little is recorded about Jesus outside of the gospel this is one of the only stories about Jesus before the age of thirty.
But this one episode tells so much.
First, Jesus’ family life is a lot like anyone’s—full of mishaps and misunderstandings.
Second, as Jesus enters young adulthood, He begins manifesting an extraordinary sense of identity. (Remember, a 12-year-old isn’t “just a kid” in Israel—he is becoming a man.) He isn’t just 'Mary’s boy' or 'Joseph’s son.'
He has a direct relationship with God as His Father, and He knows His life will follow a path of working for God. And here, the jewish community is beginning to respond to his wisdom.
For a devout Jewish family, the Temple was the center of worship, teaching, and praise. But Imagine Mary and Joseph’s anxiety as they searched for their son—only to find him, not lost or in trouble, but deeply engaged in worship and he himself teaching in the very heart of their faith.
I love the way the Cameroonian artist Jesus Mafa depicts it on the bulletin cover. A young Jesus surrounded by the village elders, with them surrounding him to hear what he has to say. Leaning in, hoping to hear more.
It makes me wonder how often we lean into to the voices of young people to hear what they have to say, to not only learn from them but let them take on leadership, let them be in charge.
And specifically, because this is in the context of worship, It makes me wonder how often we make space in worship for young people that allows them to worship fully and allows us to realize worship isn’t just about what we like, or how we worship, but how all of us might find space to worship God.
That is a bit of what the Psalm today prompts me to consider, how all of creation is able to worship. The heavens, the earth, and all creatures old and young, animals, fruit trees, mountains and hills all joining in a universal chorus of adoration to God in their own way. Placing this psalm alongside the scene in the Temple reminds us that worship transcends our expectations. Often, Praise comes from outside our expected places. Praise just isn’t something that happens in a sanctuary but all throughout the world and even beyond. From nature, from rocks, and trees, and animals and the night sky. the young, the humble, or even the seemingly ordinary moments in life.
Picture Mary and Joseph frantically searching for Jesus, expecting to find him with relatives or playing with friends. Instead, they find him in the Temple, astonishing learned teachers with his understanding.
Jesus’ response is telling: “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” He reveals that his deepest identity and purpose are rooted in his relationship with God.
Discussion Questions
Share about a time when something ordinary—a child’s insight, a moment in nature, or a simple act of kindness—helped you see God’s presence in a surprising way.
How can we cultivate eyes to see and ears to hear God’s praise coming from unexpected places?
Jesus, at 12, demonstrates a maturity beyond his years. Have you ever been surprised by the wisdom or spiritual insight of a child or teenager?
How can we honor and learn from the perspectives of younger voices in our communities?
Psalm 148 calls on the heavens, the earth, and all creatures to praise the Lord. Have you ever experienced a moment in nature that felt like creation was “singing"?
Jesus felt at home in the Temple because he understood his identity as God’s Son. How does worship help you connect with your identity as a child of God?
How can we make worship spaces where everyone—especially those who feel “lost”—can discover their belonging in God?
Closing Reflection
As we reflect on Jesus’ time in the Temple and the cosmic praise of Psalm 148, let us be open to the unexpected places and voices of worship around us. Whether it’s the joy of children, the song of a bird, or the still, small voice in our hearts, all of creation has been gifted with the capacity to praise. Let us join the chorus, bringing our own stories and voices to God in gratitude and awe.
WE GATHER IN AWE AND PRAISE
PRELUDE "Angels We Have Heard on High"
Henry Byrne, guitar, Parker Wilkinson, Piano
WELCOME Rev. Trip Porch
One: This is the day that the Lord has made
All: Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Praise the Lord, all of creation!
All: God is exalted in heaven and earth.
One: In sun and moon and shining stars,
All: God is exalted in heaven and earth.
One: In sea creatures, land beasts, and flying birds,
All: God is exalted in heaven and earth.
One: From young to old, from princes to peasants,
All: God is exalted in heaven and earth.
One: Raise up your horns, lift up your voice,
All: for God is exalted in heaven and earth! Hallelujah!
*HYMN SING "O Come, All Ye Faithful" #133
"Joy to the World" #134
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" #127
*PRAYER OF ADORATION
God of growth and maturation, we remember that in Jesus Christ you modeled what it means to be fully human. Thank you for the
unwritten years of Jesus’ life—
the growth that happened in private, the lessons learned in secret, the burgeoning favor and hidden treasure.
Grant us your grace in this time of worship. Help us welcome and receive the gift of slow growth, that we might be formed in your likeness. Amen.
HYMN "Angels We Have Heard on High" #113
WE LISTEN FOR GOD’S WORD
Scripture Luke 2:41-52
Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom. After the festival was over, they were returning home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t know it. Supposing that he was among their band of travelers, they journeyed on for a full day while looking for him among their family and friends. When they didn’t find Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were shocked.
His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!”
Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said to them.
Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart. 52 Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.
Holy Wisdom, Holy Word
Thanks be to God
REFLECTION Rev. Trip Porch
WE RESPOSND TO GOD’S WORD
*HYMN SING "Silent Night" #122
"What Child Is This?" #145
"The First Noel" #147
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION
*CLOSING HYMN "Go, Tell It on the Mountain" #136
BENEDICTION Adapted from Psalm 148:
May the God of all creation, who is worthy of all praise, guide you in worship,
fill you with joy and bless you in the coming year. Amen.
POSTLUDE Instrumental reprise of "Joy to the World."
Acknowledgments: Unless otherwise indicated, all texts and music are printed and broadcast under OneLicense.net license #A-702452