Day 1 – JESUS’ BIRTH

Read Matthew 1:18-25. Who was Jesus’ biological dad? Why was Jesus coming to earth?
Read Luke 2:1-19
Where was Jesus born? Who did the angels appear to when Jesus was born? What did the Shepherds do when they saw the angels?
Jesus was so unimportant to the world that He was born in a place where the animals lived. God’s identity was there in a manger. In about 33 years, He would make it possible for every person to find their true identity, but in this moment He lived like a normal baby. Have you ever wondered why God sent the angels to the shepherds? What is so special about a shepherd that they would get to see angels? Here’s the deal… Jesus would identify with the shepherds. A shepherd’s job is to make sure the sheep get where they are supposed to go safely. This is what Jesus was coming to do… “shepherd His people.” Jesus was coming so that you could get where you are supposed to go and be who you are meant to be.

Day 2 – JESUS GREW IN WISDOM

Read Luke 2:52. What are the four areas that Jesus grew?
Jesus was a kid just like you. He had to grow stronger just like you. God’s plan for Jesus was not to save the world as a baby. His plan was to save the world when Jesus grew up. Jesus had to be patient and follow what God had planned for Him to do live a perfect life and die on the cross. You have learned that God has big plans for you too. Let’s start with the first area of Jesus’ growth.
Wisdom: Gaining knowledge through learning and then applying what you have learned. You grow in wisdom when you have knowledge and experience.
What are ways you can grow in wisdom?
How can you have more knowledge about God?
How can you apply what you learn about God?

Day 3 – JESUS GREW IN STATURE

Read Luke 2:52 again
What is the second way Jesus grew?
Stature: Growing in stature means your physical body grows by being healthy and treating your body right. You are growing in character. Your physical stature is what you look like on the outside. Your character is what you look like on the inside.
Do you believe serving others will help you grow your character? How?
Do you believe reading your Bible, obeying your parents and having good friends will help grow your character?

DIG DEEPER
Read 1 Samuel 16:7. Does God care about what you look like on the outside or inside? Which one do you spend more time focusing on?

JESUS GREW IN FAVOR WITH GOD

Read Luke 2:52
What is the third area Jesus grew in as a kid?
Jesus lived his life to please God. Everything about His life was for God to say “you did an awesome job.”
Read Colossians 3:23. Who can you work for?
It will challenge you to do everything you do to make yourself great. But to be great, according to the world, others have to see you as great. For example, the best basketball player to ever live couldn’t just say “I am the greatest basketball player ever.” Others had to see it and say it. Here is the truth… spending all your energy getting approval from other people is hard. It is so hard that you will not only be frustrated and exhausted, but you will also hurt others in the process. After all your work, the world doesn’t promise to think you’re great. The Lord, on the other hand is ready to call you great. Do things for Him and you, like Jesus, will get His praise. His “favor” is guaranteed.

DID YOU KNOW?

There is nothing you can do to get God’s love. His love and salvation have nothing to do with what you do. He just wants to tell you good job. He wants to you to matter. Do things for Him and you will grow and others will see Him in you!

Day 5 – JESUS GREW IN FAVOR WITH MAN

Read Luke 2:52. Try to say it by memory!
What is the fourth way Jesus grew?
This can be confusing because you just learned that God wants you to please Him instead of others. Here is how Jesus did it right. Pleasing God was His #1 priority and He let God do the rest.
Read Matthew 6:33. What should you seek first?
Will everything fall into place when your #1 priority is pleasing God?
If you truly follow God then you will see that God has clear instructions on how to treat others. Try these:
-Love neighbor as yourself
-Turn the other cheek
-Watch your words
-Help the needy
-Love your enemies
-Be Honest
-Serve, pray and give to others
-Share Jesus with others