Project 252

I wanted to take a moment this morning and share with you - Project 252.

This is our new kicked off middle school and high school ministry at church. Why such a cool name? Project 252 came from Luke 2:52 - This is where Joseph and Mary was looking for Jesus and could not find him. They had left the town they were in and was traveling.... but had to go back because they could not find him. They were searching all over for him and found him teaching in the temple. As you could imagine - they were a little upset that Jesus would wander off and they could not find him. I have seen lots of lost children at the mall over my years. I can't say we have ever lost my son - but I could imagine the panic that would be over me if I could not find him amongst the hundreds of people shopping and going about their day in a store, mall or sporting event. It happens fast...... one second there and the next - gone. So imagine with me the fear in Joseph and Mary with not being able to find their son. Especially being a days travel away and not just a few minutes! Jesus had a calm comeback for them when they asked him where he had been. In my Fathers house teaching, where else would I be mom?
I think in many ways its a perfect name for our new young ministry!
Jesus, even at the age of 12 - way ahead of his time with knowledge and teaching -this amazed all who listened to him. The Jewish leaders couldn't understand how this boy knew all this with no formal training or teaching. This is just one of the many reasons why they rejected Him and were threatened by Him. Enjoy the story.....

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.