Though babies may not know the word special, they know the feeling of “specialness.” Mom’s touch, Dad’s hug, a favorite toy—all of these are special to a young child and give a comforting feeling. As you teach this lesson, try to use “special” in relation to something that’s meaningful to all your nursery children to help them understand the Word. As you do, you’ll also help children begin to connect those same feelings and understanding that Jesus is special.

Prepare for the Lesson: Bible Background for Leaders

Almost everything we know of Jesus’ childhood between infancy and age 12 is the summary in Luke 2:40. It appears that even in light of his sinless perfection, he developed as a normal child would. According to Luke 2:41, Mary and Joseph went every year, demonstrating their faithfulness and commitment to God. Their faithfulness indicates the type of home Jesus grew up in.

Modern readers of this account may consider Mary and Joseph irresponsible because they left Jerusalem without knowing that Jesus was with them. However, to understand this event, we must understand the culture. Mary and Joseph were likely traveling in a caravan with lots of other family members. It would have been easy to assume that Jesus was with cousins or other relatives for the day. Some scholars also suggest that adult men and adult women traveled separately in that culture and both parents could have assumed Jesus was with the other.

After Mary and Joseph find him, Jesus says in Luke 2:49 that he had to be in his Father’s house. This is an example to us that our relationship with God must be the main priority in our lives. This week focuses on the fact that Jesus is special. Though he developed like an ordinary child, his experience in the Temple proves he wasn’t ordinary.

Sing and Celebrate that Jesus is Special

Sing this song to the tune of “I’m a Little Teapot” anytime during the lesson. Use the song during a more lively part of the lesson. Sing it happily and boisterously to show just how special our God’s son is!

Jesus is special—he’s my friend.

Jesus is special—he is my friend.

Oh, my love for Jesus never ends.

Cuz he is special—he’s my friend.

Explore the Bible Story: Jesus at the Temple

You’ll need:

• shoe box
• glue
• scissors
• construction paper
• dolls to represent young Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

What You’ll Do

While a baby is playing on the floor, place the dolls figures nearby. Point to the appropriate figures.

Say: This is Jesus. Look! He is a big boy now! He grew up! This is Jesus’ mommy and daddy. They take Jesus to the Temple to pray. He likes to go to God’s house. JESUS IS SPECIAL!

Weave Faith Into Life

Do the following finger play for a little one, using the motions in the parentheses.

Say: Here is Mary. (hold up one index finger)

Here is Joseph. (hold up the other index finger)

They both are very happy (put your two index fingers together, and wiggle them)

For Jesus makes them glad. (point to mouth and smile)

Jesus is a special boy (hold up pinkie finger and wiggle it)

Sent from God above. (point up)

Jesus is a special boy, (wiggle pinkie finger)

God’s gift of love. (point up; then cross hands over chest)

Say: JESUS IS SPECIAL. He’s God’s gift of love to you, too.

This lesson is adapted from Group’s FaithWeaver NOW curriculum, which offers Sunday school curriculum for all ages (infants-adults).

Looking for more ways to teach about the gospel? Check out these 3 Quick Children’s Messages About Jesus. And if you want your kids to know even more about their friend Jesus, consider Group’s Notes From Jesus picture book.