Walk The Talk Discussion Sheet
The Gospel of Luke-A Year With Jesus:
Luke 2:41-52
Week of January 8, 2012

Embracing Broken People (talking about ourselves):

• 1. Tell about a time when you lost something valuable. Have you ever left children behind somewhere before? Have you ever been left somewhere?

• 2. Talk about a memorable childhood experience. What made it so memorable? How does it shape who you are today?

• 3. Share something that you learned from your parents by observation, not necessarily by the words they used. Do you personally learn more by hearing instruction or observing behavior? Why do you think that is?

Equipping With God's Word (into the text):

• 4. When a Jewish boy turned 12, he was considered a son of the law and needed to take the obligations of the law upon himself, including attendance at a feast in Jerusalem once a year. Talk about an event you experienced for the first time that was spiritually significant (witness speech, communion, a particular Bible study, etc)

• 5. So that we don't think that Mary and Joseph were incredibly irresponsible, it's important to note that groups from cities traveled in caravans from place to place. It's likely that a group of about 100 people traveled together from Nazareth to Jerusalem, a 75+ mile journey. Have you ever traveled or vacationed in a group larger than your family? Tell about the experience-the good and the not so good.

• 6. In verse 46, it's clear that Jesus was so intent on listening, asking questions, and learning that He was more focused on growing in His faith than where His parents were. Have you ever gotten so involved in something that you lost track of time? If not, what is something that you enjoy enough where you could see this happening?

• 7. Often in the Bible, Jesus answers a question with a question. At first read, it sounds like Jesus is smarting off to His mom by asking "Why were you searching for me?" He's not being disrespect here. Jesus simply doesn't understand why Mary and Joseph wouldn't have known that He would be in "my Father's house." Have you ever had a situation as a parent or grandparent where a child taught you something? Tell about it.

• 8. In verse 49, Jesus also draws a distinction when Mary says (of Joseph) "Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." He responds by talking about His true Father, His Heavenly Father: "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" How would my identity be different if I could primarily find my identity in how God sees me instead of through family, vocation, etc?

Empowering Life Transformation  (how what we've talked about will change who I am):

• 9. When was the last time I treasured something that God was doing in my life like Mary did in Luke 2:51. Right now-even if you're in a group-spend three minutes talking to God, praising and thanking Him for something that He's done for you. Focus on one item and treasure it-just you and the Lord.

• 10. It's likely that Jesus didn't like to do everything His parents asked Him to do, yet Luke 2:51 said that Jesus was obedient to His parents. Think of some area of your life that you would prefer to not to follow God's will in. If you're willing, share that with another person in the group. Have that person pray for you in this area of your life right on the spot (think 20 second prayer, not 20 minute intercession here!)
  
  
• 11. According to Luke 2:52, Jesus grew a variety of ways: "And Jesus grew in wisdom (intellectually) and stature (physically), and in favor with God (spiritually) and men (socially/relationally)." If you're able, check out this youtube video by singer Rich Mullins dreaming about this very verse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVqQED51XD8&feature=related Conclude your time in prayer, praying that God would help you grow like Jesus in each of the four areas listed above.