Thursday, January 4, 2024

When Jesus Was Twelve Years Old

 When Jesus Was Twelve Years Old



When Jesus Was Twelve Years Old is a story about the Lord's adolescence. The most important revelation about this story is that Jesus knew His identity as Son of God.

Who told Jesus that He was the Son of God? 
God told Him. 
This means that God spoke to Jesus, even in the womb. This is the example that every father must follow.

Identity or self-awareness as a human is very important. Every human needs to confess and know these FOUR points. 

1. I was created by God.
2. I am created in the image and likeness of God.
3. I was sent to earth by God.
4. God is my Father.

Read Psalm 139 to learn more.  Now let's get to the story.

Jesus is God's Son


Jesus is God’s Son but He lived with His mother Mary her husband, Joseph. Jesus was both human and also God. They all lived in the village of Nazareth.









Joseph was a carpenter and Jesus helped him as He grew up. 






Jesus would play games with His friends just like all the other boys.





Jesus however was different from other children in that He was always obedient to God, Mary and Joseph. He did not do wrong things. 




 Jesus grew up in  a family with His step-brothers and step-sisters. 
He also went to school where He studied hard.





Time to go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Passover


One day Jesus was very happy. It was time to go to Jerusalem with others from Nazareth to worship God in the Temple. It was something they did several times a year.





It took a few days for the large group of people from Nazareth and the surrounding area to walk to the big city.



As they climbed up the big hill to Jerusalem they sang psalms and praised God.



Finally, they went into the Temple where people were teaching
about God and worshipping Him. Jesus was pleased. After all,
His real Father was God.

Jesus was now 12 years old. That was the age at which most boys began to learn how to do the job their father did.



Many people came into the Temple to pray to God.






Some people came into the temple to say sorry to God for the wrong
things they had done and ask Him to forgive them.



Teachers taught people how to obey God and live by His laws. People could ask questions and find out how God wanted them to live.




Some however were very proud and came to the Temple to show off
how good and generous they thought they were. Some people were impressed by them but they did not please God.



There were musicians in the Temple who led people in singing praise
to God. 



It was a  wonderful time as people ate meals with their friends and family and put their lives right with God.



After a few days it was time to return. The large group of people from Nazareth started to make their way out of Jerusalem. Mary and
Joseph thought Jesus was with the other children making the
journey home or with their relatives.



Mary and Joseph discovered that Jesus was missing


But later, after traveling all day, they stopped. They called out for
Jesus. But there was no reply. Where was He? They asked people if
they had seen Jesus. But they all shook their heads.



‘Have you seen Jesus,’ shouted Mary and Joseph to those traveling at the front.




‘No, we haven´t seen Jesus all day,’ they answered. Mary and Joseph were very worried. Had Jesus been left alone in Jerusalem?  They must rush back at once to find Him.




The next day they arrived back in Jerusalem tired and exhausted. They went through the narrow streets but could not find Jesus anywhere. They searched all day but could not find Him.




The day after they kept looking. They asked people if they had seen
a 12 year-old boy on His own. But people shook their heads. They
searched all day but there was no sign of Jesus.



Jesus had now been missing for three days and Mary and Joseph were so worried. They decided to go to the Temple.



They did not know it, but Jesus had been in the Temple all that time. It was God’s house – His Father’s house.




Jesus had been in the Temple all that time


Jesus asked the Temple teachers difficult questions about God,
but they could not answer them. In response, He explained about God to them and answered their questions.



People were stunned that such a young boy knew so much about
God. A boy who was only 12 years old! From where has He received
all His wisdom?




Mary and Joseph find Jesus


Mary and Joseph began searching in the Temple. Suddenly they  gasped. There was Jesus! Talking with the Temple teachers.
They rushed to hug Him.



Where have you been? We have been so worried about you?
‘Don’t you know that now I am 12, I am the age when I must carry out my Father’s business?’ Jesus replied.

Mary and Joseph did not understood what Jesus had said. Maybe they had forgotten the circumstances of His birth.






Jesus wisely knew God’s command that we must all obey our parents, so He set off at once with Mary and Joseph on the
trip back to Nazareth.



Jesus grew up being obedient to Mary and Joseph and God. He
grew strong in every way, loving His Heavenly Father and His parents on earth.







 When Jesus Was Twelve Years Old scriptures 


41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

42 And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;

43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it,

44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him.

46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.

47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.

48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, ``Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You."

49 And He said to them, ``Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house? "

50 But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them.

51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.












Monday, January 1, 2024

Happy New Year 2024 From Lyndon Delano Moss Music

  

Happy New Year 2024 From Lyndon Delano Moss Music


New year, new chapter, the page flips white and clean,
A story unwritten, where possibilities convene.
Sun rises gold upon the peaks, casting shadows far behind,
Lessons learned, scars healed, leaving worries unconfined.

New year, new me, whispers echo in the breeze,
Leaving failures far behind, embracing bolder destinies.
Fearless, curious, with fire in my eyes,
I'll chase new sunrises, and paint dreams across the skies.

Have a happy new year, 2024, let hope unfurl its wings,
May your journey blossom, with joy's bright offerings.
Plant seeds of laughter, kindness, watch them bloom anew,
And in this chapter's opening, find something beautiful to do.

Visit Lyndon Delano Moss Music on YouTube in 2024 to unlock possibilities.



Thursday, December 21, 2023

Jesus Taught Us Not To Worry

 Jesus Taught Us Not To Worry


Jesus taught us that we are not to worry because we are the children of our Heavenly Father.  He told His disciples not to worry about  food, drink and clothing in our daily lives.

He said that there are things in life that  are more important than food, clothes and drink.




Jesus talked about how God takes care of the birds of the air


Jesus pointed out the birds of the air.  






He explained that they do not  work. They do not plant seeds or reap any harvest. 





They do not work to store food away in barns, Jesus said.





They don't plant seeds.

They don't reap any crops.

They don't store food away in barns

Yet Your heavenly Father feeds them, Jesus exclaimed.

He continued with a question, "aren't you not much more valuable than they?’ 




So why do you worry about clothes! Jesus exclaimed.




Jesus talked next about how God takes care of the flowers


Jesus pointed out the flowers.  He said to His disciples, "see how the flowers of the field grow? They do not labour or spin."




To the disciples' amazement, The Lord then compared the flowers to King Solomon. King Solomon was the third ruler of Israel. He was very rich and famous, and wore glamorous clothing.

The disciples' eyes must have popped open when Jesus said that although King Solomon dressed with great splendour, he was not more glamorous than the flowers.




Jesus must have smiled as He continued with a very important  truth:

‘If God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you—you of little faith?" 




Jesus concluded by commanding His disciples not to worry

Jesus commanded His disciples, including us, not to worry about food, drink or clothing. He said that we must not  pursue these things as critical because our Father knows we need them. 


"So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and Your heavenly Father knows that you need them."





In fact, many people do anything possible to get food, drink and clothes.  They do so without caring that they displease God to get these them.

Instead, Jesus said, we must:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.





Jesus taught His disciples not to worry bible verses: Matthew 6: 25 - 34

25 That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 

26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 

27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 

29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 

30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’

32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 

33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.


Jesus taught His disciples not to worry video












Thursday, December 14, 2023

The Girl Who Lived Twice

 The girl who lived twice introduction

The girl who lived twice is a story about a twelve-year-old child who Jesus raised from the dead. 

One day, terrible trouble came to Jairus, the little girl's father. His beloved daughter, only twelve years old, got sick. 

It seemed nobody could help her. The little girl was very sick. Jairus knew that his daughter was dying.






Jarius went to ask Jesus for help

Jairus set out to find Jesus and bring Him back to his house. Jairus probably knew his religious friends did not approve of Jesus.  

Jairus didn't care. He had to get help quickly before his daughter  died.



Jarius got to Jesus


Jesus was surrounded by people. Jarius kneeled at Jesus' feet and sobbed:
  
"My little daughter lies at the point of death," the desperate  
man begged.  "Come and lay your hands on her that she may be healed, and she will live." 

Jesus went with Jairus.  But they could not move quickly because of the huge crowd. 


A lady interrupted Jesus and Jarius


One lady had been very sick for twelve long years.  She had gone to all the doctors (and had spent all her money) without getting help. She desperately wanted to see Jesus!

The lady wondered what to do? 

"If only I could touch His clothes, I shall be made well," the lady muttered. 

She inched her way toward Jesus. Then, stretching out  her hand, she touched Jesus' robe. 

A miracle! A MIRACLE!  The lady was healed immediately and completely!  She knew she was well and strong and whole. 


Jesus asked who had touched Him


A voice spoke. 

"Who touched Me?" Jesus asked.  

Crowds had touched Him, but the lady who was healed knew He wanted her to tell Him about it. Timidly, she told Him her whole story.

Meantime, Jarius got sad news

People from Jarius' home came to meet him. Their faces probably told the sad story before they spoke.

"Your daughter is dead!" they told Jairus.

Dead! It was too late. Perhaps, if that lady hadn't delayed them, things would have been different!  

Dead! Jairus’ precious little girl was gone. 

When Jesus heard it, He answered, "Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well." 

It must have been difficult for Jairus to really believe Jesus. His 
daughter was dead. 



Jesus took the little girl by the hand

At the house, everybody wept and mourned for the girl.

"She is not dead, but sleeping," Jesus told them. They laughed at Him because they knew the girl was dead. Jesus put them all out, took the girl by the hand and said, "Little girl, arise."

Jairus was there. His wife was there. Three of Jesus' disciples were there. They all heard Jesus' words. Would the little dead girl  
hear them, too?

The little girl obeyed Jesus' command

The little girl heard Jesus' command! Her spirit returned, and she arose immediately.  Jesus had raised her from the dead.

The girl's parents were astonished. Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 

How happy they must have felt! The must have felt very grateful to Jesus. His wonderful love and power brought their daughter back from death.

How to receive eternal life and live forever


This Bible story tells us about our wonderful God who  made us and who wants us to know Him. God knows we were born in sins and that we have done bad things, which He calls sin.  

The punishment for sin is death, but God loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a Cross and be punished for our sins. Then Jesus came back to life and  went home to Heaven! 

If you believe in Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins, He will do it! He will come and live in you now, and you will live with Him forever.  

It is important to turn from your sins in order to live forever.  Say this to God: 

Dear God, I believe that Jesus died for me and now lives again. Please come into my life and forgive my sins.  Please give me eternal life now,  and help me  to live for You as Your child. Amen. 

Now that you are a child of God, please read the Bible and talk with God every day! 





ATTRIBUTION

Written by: Edward Hughes. 
Illustrated by: Janie Forest Adapted by: Ruth Klassen and Alastair Paterson.  
Produced by: Bible for Children www.M1914.org. 
©2020 Bible for Children, Inc. 
License: You have the right to copy or print this story, as long as you do not sell it.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Rich Man Poor Man


Rich man, poor man introduction

Rich man, poor man is a story that Jesus told about two men. One was rich and one was poor. The story highlights the importance of obeying God and doing what is right while we live in the earth.

Jesus knew many of the religious leaders loved money more than they loved God.

He told what happened to these two men, and why it is useless to have riches without God. Riches cannot buy life with God in Heaven.

Read on to learn more.




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The rich man


There was a certain rich man who had beautiful clothes which cost lots of money. He dressed like a king.

The rich man also ate very well. Every meal was like a great feast. He had so much money he could buy anything he wanted to eat for breakfast, lunch, supper - or for in-between snacks.









The poor man was named Lazarus


At the gate of the rich man's house there lay a poor, sick, starving beggar. His name was Lazarus.

Poor Lazarus was full of sores. He may have had a disease. He may have had cuts and bruises from others being mean to him.

Maybe he had sores because he did not have good food like milk, vegetables or meat. Lazarus longed for food. He would have been happy with the crumbs from the rich man's table.

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Bible for Children 

resents





Dogs were Lazarus' friends


Stray dogs sometimes padded over to the poor helpless beggar. They sniffed around him and licked his wounds. It seems nobody cared that Lazarus was starving.



Lazarus died and went to Heaven


One morning, Lazarus did not wake up. The poor starving, friendless beggar had left this life. Lazarus was dead.


Joy began for Lazarus the moment he died. Jesus said angels carried him to be with Abraham. Lazarus was comforted by God.




The rich man also died

The rich man also died. All his money could not save his life. When death came, nobody could stop it.

The rich man was buried. Perhaps it was a large funeral. Perhaps people praised the rich man for being clever and successful. 

Their praises did not help him. The rich man was in Hell.

The rich man discovered that he was in hell


In Hell, the rich man cried, "Father Abraham, send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame."

"In life you had everything and Lazarus had nothing," Abraham reminded the rich man. "Now Lazarus is comforted and you are tormented. No one can cross the great gulf between you and us."






The rich man asked Abraham to warn his siblings


"Send Lazarus to warn my five brothers," the rich man pleaded. "I don't want them to end up in this place of torment."

"Your brothers have God's Word," Abraham replied. If the five brothers would not believe the Bible, they would not believe if Lazarus came back from the dead.

When Jesus finished the story of the rich man and Lazarus, perhaps the religious leaders asked themselves, "Do I love riches more than I love God?"

Now they knew what would happen if they did not heed God's Word.


Message from the bible story rich man, poor man


This Bible story tells us about our wonderful God who made us and who wants us to know Him.

God knows we have done bad things, which He calls sin.  The punishment for sin is death, but God loves us so  much He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a Cross and be punished for our sins.

Then Jesus came back to life and went home to Heaven! If you believe in Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sins, He will do it! He will come and live in you now, and you will receive eternal life.  


Prayer for salvation from sins


If you want to turn from your sins, say this to God: 

Dear God, I believe that Jesus died for me and  now lives again.  Please forgive my sins, so that I can have new life now, and one day go to be with You forever. 

You are now my only God and I will love you alone. Help me to live for You as Your child. 

I turn away from all the bad things I used to do, and trust you to make me righteous as you are, in Jesus' name. Amen. 




 


Rich man, poor man bible verses  - Luke 16: 19 - 31.



19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 

20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 

21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 

22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, 

23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 

24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 

25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 

26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 

27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 

28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 

29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 

30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 

31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”









ATTRIBUTION - RICH MAN, POOR MAN


Written by: E. Duncan Hughes 

Illustrated by: Alastair Paterson and M. Maillot  and Lazarus.    

Adapted by: M. Maillot and Sarah S. Produced by: Bible for Children - www.M1914.org 


©2020 Bible for Children, Inc. 
License: You have the right to copy or print this story,  as long as you do not sell it.





Thursday, November 23, 2023

Jesus Told The Woman He Is Messiah

 Jesus Told The Woman He Is Messiah


Jesus Told The Woman He Is Messiah explains how the Lord revealed His identity as God to a non -Jewish woman in order to save her from her sins.

Last time, we saw how He met this woman at a well in Samaria and talked with her about the living water of everlasting life.







Jesus had previously revealed to the woman that she had been married five times. She was shocked that He knew these things about her. 

As they continued to talk, the woman said to Him, ‘I know that the Messiah is coming’ (the one called Christ). Whenever He comes, He will tell us everything.’ 


Jesus said to her, ‘I, the one speaking to you, am the Messiah.’ 





The disciples returned from the city



This was the very moment that Jesus' disciples came back from the city where they had gone to buy food.  

They were shocked because Jesus was speaking with a woman from Samaria. However, no one asked her what she wanted. 

Nobody asked Jesus why He was speaking with a woman from Samaria. 






The woman left the water jar and ran off the tell everybody about Jesus


On hearing Jesus say that He was the Messiah, the woman excitedly dropped her water jar. 

She sped off to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Surely He is the Messiah!

On hearing her words, the people left the town and began running to the well to see the Messiah firsthand.






Meantime the disciples urged Jesus to eat

After the woman left, Jesus' disciples urged Him to eat.  

Excited that more people were going to be saved, He replied,
‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’ 


The disciples began to say to one another, ‘Did anyone bring Him food to eat?’ 

Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of the One who sent me and to complete His work."





What is the meaning of  Jesus' name Messiah?


The name Messiah means 

  • Christ.
  • ANOINTED.  
  • Priest of God.
  • Prophet of God.

The Jews and Samritans were looking for the Messiah the King to come from Heaven.  They knew that He would tell them about God and save them from their enemies.  



Jesus Told The Woman He Is Messiah bible verses John 4: 1 - 42 ESV


Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 

(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 

he left Judea and departed again for Galilee.

And he had to pass through Samaria. 

So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 

Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 

(For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 

The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 




10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 

11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 

12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 

13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 

14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.  The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 

15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 




17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 

18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 

19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 

20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 

21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 

22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 

23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 

24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 

25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”

26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”

27 Just then his disciples came back. They marveled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” 

28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 

29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 



30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.

31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 

32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 

33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 

34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 

35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 

36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 

38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 

40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 

41 And many more believed because of his word. 

42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”




Jesus Told The Woman He Is Messiah - video








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