1 Passover began well for Jesus. He was excited to see the temple. He was to become a man and he could attend the temple talks. Women couldn’t watch the ceremony. Jesus thought this was wrong, but kept quiet. Once inside the temple, Jesus got sad with what he witnessed.
2 Jesus questioned Joseph about what he saw in the temple. Joseph answered using his beliefs in an angry God who would hurt us if we did wrong. Jesus said no, explaining: If God loves me more than you, and if you wouldn’t hurt me for offending you, then how could God do so?
3 The temple buildings were huge. Jesus thought everything was too routine and impersonal. People were selling animals and changing money. Rabbis were bloody and terrified animals were screaming. Blood flowed across the floors. Jesus told Joseph he had to leave.
4 Passover was 7 days long. Jesus learned his way around the temple area. He wasn’t a full 13 years old, so he wasn’t supposed to speak during the temple talks. Jesus met over 150 people from around the world while there. His mom and dad just wanted to get him home.
5 After Passover week, everyone from Nazareth went home in 2 groups, men and women. Jesus got left behind. He spent the day listening to the talks in the temple, then spent the night at Simon’s in Bethany. Mary and Joseph didn’t know he was missing until that night in Jericho.
6 Jesus decided to speak at the temple talks. On the way back to Jerusalem, he stopped at the Mount of Olives again. This time he cried for his people. They had both an angry God and the Roman legions over them. Their bondage was complete. His mom and dad were looking for him.
7 At the temple, Jesus questioned killing a drunk gentile for entering a sacred Jewish area. His questions stumped the rabbis. People started coming to hear Jesus talk. He taught by both questioning, and showing a better way. He was always respectful. This went on for 3 days.
8 On the fourth day in the temple, Jesus’ parents found him. Joseph was quiet; Mary got mad. After scolding him in front of everyone, Jesus stood up. He told his mom and dad they should’ve known to find him in his Father’s house, since it was time to do his Father’s business.
9 Going home, Jesus again stood on the Mount of Olives. This time he vowed to return, clean out the temple, and release his people from spiritual bondage. At home in Nazareth, he told his parents he’d never make them worry again. If he didn’t agree, he’d still obey.
Okay everyone, those are the highlights of Son of Man, Chapter 4, “Jesus at Jerusalem.” This week’s Chapter 5 is, “Two Crucial Years.” Enjoy, my friends, and have a super week.