Losing Jesus

Have you ever been at a festival or event and lost one of your family members in the crowd? (Invite children to briefly share.)

It reminds me of a story about a boy named Matthew, who got lost while his family was doing some last-minute Christmas shopping at the mall. Matthew’s family was terrified! Why do you think they were scared? (Pause for responses.)

All the family members went looking in different directions, and do you know where they found the little boy? (Let children guess.) Matthew was in the candy shop, looking at all the delicious candy. He didn’t look lost. He didn’t even know he was lost. After all, he was right where they left him! 

Did the place Matthew was found surprise you? Why or why not? 

Think of a time you got lost. How did it make you feel? 

This story of Matthew reminds me of a time Jesus’ parents lost Him. Think about how it wasn’t surprising that Matthew was found in a candy shop. Now, think about what you know about Jesus. 

When Jesus was a young boy, His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. After the feast was over, Mary and Joseph were traveling back to their home when they realized Jesus was nowhere to be found. When they couldn’t find Him, they turned around and went back to Jerusalem to look for Him.

Where do you think Jesus might have been when His parents lost Him?

Do you know where they found Jesus? He was in the temple. Like Matthew, Jesus wasn’t worried or frightened. When His parents found Him, He said to them, "Why were you searching for Me? Didn't you know I had to be in My Father's house?"

Do you ever feel like you lose touch with Jesus? (Pause for responses.)

 Sometimes we get so busy that we stop thinking about Jesus or spending time with Him. The good news is, we can always find Him. Maybe reconnecting with Jesus means stopping to pray, going to church, or reading the Bible. When we go looking for Jesus, He’ll be right there waiting for us!

Dear Jesus, when we have lost sight of You, help us remember that You are still there, waiting for us to come back to You. Help us make you a daily priority. In Jesus’ name, amen.