RCCG LOWER JUNIOR ZEAL FOR 2023/2024 AGE 13-19 TEACHER’S MANUAL 17TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2023

[41]Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

[42]And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

[43]And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

[44]But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

[45]And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

[46]And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

[47]And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

[48]And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

[49]And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

[50]And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

[51]And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

[52]And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

MEMORY VERSE: Ephesians 6:2 – Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commnandment with promise;)

LESSON AIM: At the end of the study, teenagers should be able to understand why parents deserve gratitude and how it should be done.

INTRODUCTION: The fifth commandment in the Bible says “Honor your father and your mother, that thy days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Parents are ordained by God to bring us into the world and are saddled with the responsibility of training us to fulfil purpose and destiny by making sacrifices and paying the price to ensure this is done. Therefore, they deserve our gratitude.

Jesus Christ our perfect example came as a baby through Mary and Joseph, and He accepted them as His earthly parents whom He obeyed and honored, despite being the Saviour of mankind.

• They are the vehicle through which we were brought to life.

•They are our first teachers and trainers – Prov. 22:6.

• They make provision for our needs.

•The child’s development depends heavily on the parents.

• They instill discipline in us as their children.

• God works hand-in-hand with them to make us become the best version of ourselves.

• Honour your parents- Ex 20:12, Eph 6:2.

• Pray for them.

• Honour and respcct them- Eph. 6:2.

• Obey them – Eph 6:1,

• Celebrate them.

• Assist them in the home and in their businesses.

• Tell them you love them and show it.

• Long life – Eph 6:2.

• Peace of mind.

• Blessings – Gen. 49:22-26.

CONCLUSION: Looking at all the pains and sacrifices that our parents have gone through in leading us in the journey to fulfillment of purpose and destiny, they deserve our gratitude.

What truth have you learnt in today’s lesson?

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Write down one way in which you are going to apply what you now know.

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