Aim

To help children reflect on becoming an adult.
To become familiar with the story of Jesus in the Temple.

Preparation

Before the lesson read the story

Lesson

Begin by discussing being an adult.

• What do the children think is the best/worst thing about being an adult?
• Are the children looking forward to being adults?
• What type of things are the children excluded from on account of their age?

In their opinion, what is the age at which a child becomes an adult? Discuss with reference to the lawful ages of which children can leave home, drive a car, etc.

In many Christian churches, a person does not become a full member until she/ he gets 'confirmed'. People as young as ten can be confirmed. If available show images.

Have the children ever been through a similiar ceremony - at cubs or Brownies?

When Jesus was growing up, a child did not become an adult until the age of 13. There is only one story in the Bible about Jesus as a child. Share with children the story of Jesus in the temple. Jesus was still a child and really should not have been in the temple by Himself.

Conclusion

Conclude by telling children that the Bible says, after this episode, Jesus returned home and obeyed His parents.

Notes

Confirmation in many Christian denominations is the process by which a child becomes a full member of the community. It is often seen as the the completion of Baptism. As Catholics reach an age when they are able to make their own commitment to the Faith (traditionally at around the age of eleven), they renew their baptismal promises and pledge themselves to fulfil their promises and the responsibilities of a full member of the Church.