December 29th 2024
Growing in Faith: Reflections on Writing Sermons and the Story of Jesus in the Temple
Writing sermons is a journey that intertwines creativity, faith, and personal growth. As someone new to this practice, I find that crafting sermons often mirrors life—sometimes the words flow effortlessly, and other times, they are painstakingly vague. The process can take hours or even days. Yet, at its core, sermon writing is about ideas and allowing inspiration to unfold naturally. This sermon explores the lessons I have drawn from writing sermons, focusing on todays gospel story: Jesus’ visit to the temple at twelve years old. Through this narrative, themes of family, curiosity, and spiritual growth emerge, offering timeless wisdom for children and adults alike.
The Gospel Story: Jesus in the Temple
The story of Jesus in the temple, as recounted in Luke is a narrative that I think illuminates the interaction of faith, family, and growth. Every year, Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, travelled to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover, a pivotal event in their religious calendar. When Jesus was twelve years old, he accompanied them. However, after the festival ended, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem without his parents’ knowledge. Assuming he was with their traveling group, Mary and Joseph continued their journey before realizing he was missing. In a state of panic, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him for three days. They eventually found Jesus in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening, and asking questions. His understanding amazed everyone present.
When his parents expressed their concern, Jesus replied, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
This story, though simple on the surface, is deep in meaning. It speaks to the struggles of parenting, the innate curiosity of children, and the spiritual journey that transcends age and circumstance.
The Innocence and Curiosity of Children
Children are naturally curious, noticing details that adults often overlook. Their innate wonder drives them to explore the world with enthusiasm and excitement. This trait is vividly demonstrated in Jesus’ actions at the temple. Despite his young age, he engages with religious scholars, asking questions and seeking knowledge. His curiosity serves as a model for spiritual growth, reminding us of the importance of maintaining an inquisitive and open mind.
My grandson embodies this spirit of curiosity. During the Christmas season, he finds immense joy in the lights and decorations of the tree. He examines small toys with fascination, marvelling at their textures and intricacies. Similarly, young children I have worked with in children’s centers exhibit a profound sense of wonder when introduced to new experiences. I recall bringing mackerel to show children under five years old. Their fascination with the fish—from its eyes to its scales—highlighted their eagerness to learn and engage with the world around them. Their reactions reminded me of the value of nurturing curiosity, a responsibility that parents, teachers, and caregivers share.
Yet, this curiosity must be balanced with safety. As adults, we teach children to navigate a world filled with potential dangers, from crossing the road to avoiding interactions with strangers. These lessons aim to protect them while allowing their curiosity to flourish. I remember testing my eight-year-old daughter, Meg, with a safety scenario: “If someone in a car offers to show you puppies, what would you do?” Her innocent response, “I would go see the puppies but not stay long,” highlighted the delicate balance between curiosity and caution. She did not walk to her friend’s house alone that year.
The Anxiety of Parenting
The story of Jesus in the temple resonates deeply with parents. Mary and Joseph’s frantic search for their son mirrors the universal fear of losing a child. The anxiety and guilt they likely felt—having lost the Son of God, no less—is a relatable experience for any parent. Modern parallels abound, from the dread of hearing your child’s name over a supermarket’s intercom to the momentary panic of losing sight of them in a crowded place.
Parenting involves a constant tension between holding on and letting go. As children grow, they develop independence, challenging parents to adapt. For Mary, this tension was magnified by the knowledge that Jesus was not hers to keep. Her journey was one of profound spiritual growth, requiring her to relinquish control and trust in God’s plan. This lesson is universal: as parents, we must guide our children while recognizing that they belong to God, not to us.
Spiritual Growth Through Letting Go
The story of Jesus in the temple is not just about his growth but also about Mary and Joseph’s spiritual development. When Mary finds Jesus, her initial reaction is one of frustration: “Child, why have you treated us like this?” Beneath her words lies the deeper question, “Why did you leave us?” Jesus’ response gently reminds her of his divine mission: “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
This moment marks a turning point for Mary. She must let go of her image of Jesus as her “boy” and embrace his identity as the Son of God. Letting go is a recurring theme in spiritual growth. It requires us to release our attachments to comfort, familiarity, and control, trusting in God’s greater plan. This process is not easy. It challenges our sense of identity and forces us to reevaluate our priorities.
Growing up spiritually involves leaving behind the “homes” that limit us. These homes may be physical spaces, but more often, they are emotional and spiritual constructs. Homes of fear, anger, and prejudice. Homes of guilt, regret, and self-doubt. Homes of indifference and apathy. Jesus invites us to move beyond these confines, guiding us toward the Father’s home—a place of love, forgiveness, and grace.
Lessons for Adults from Children’s Faith
Children’s natural curiosity and openness offer profound lessons for adults. Their ability to marvel at the small things, ask questions, and embrace the unknown mirrors the qualities of a vibrant faith. As adults, we often lose this sense of wonder, becoming bogged down by the complexities and cynicism of life. Yet, Jesus himself emphasized the importance of childlike faith, urging us to approach God with humility and trust.
Developing faith in children involves modelling these qualities ourselves. Children learn by observing the adults around them. When we demonstrate our faith through actions, words, and attitudes, we create an environment where their spiritual growth can flourish. At the same time, we can learn from their simplicity and openness, allowing their example to rekindle our own faith.
Moving Toward the Father’s Home
The story of Jesus in the temple challenges us to examine our spiritual journey. Growing up, in a spiritual sense, means moving toward deeper and more authentic relationships with God, others, and ourselves. This journey involves re-prioritizing our values, beliefs, and relationships, aligning them with God’s will.
Mary’s journey illustrates this transformation. She moves from seeing Jesus as her son to recognizing him as the Son of God. Similarly, we are called to move beyond our limited perspectives and embrace God’s greater vision for our lives. This shift requires letting go of old patterns and stepping into the unknown with faith and trust.
In the Father’s home, we find our true identity as the treasured children of God. It is a place where we are free from the burdens of fear, guilt, and regret. Instead, we live in rooms filled with mercy, joy, and love. Jesus invites us to leave behind the homes that confine us and embrace the abundant life he offers.
Conclusion
The story of Jesus in the temple is a timeless reminder of the importance of curiosity, the challenges of parenting, and the call to spiritual growth. As I continue to write sermons, I am reminded that the process mirrors these themes. It is a journey of exploration, filled with moments of struggle and inspiration. It is a practice that requires letting go of perfectionism and trusting in God’s guidance.
Just as Jesus amazed the teachers in the temple with his wisdom and questions, we are called to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity. Whether through nurturing the faith of children or deepening our own, we are invited to grow in wisdom and grace, moving ever closer to the Father’s home. Let us embrace this journey with open hearts, trusting in the transformative power of God’s love.
Amen
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