EARLY LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST

SUBTOPIC: THE BIRTH AND CHILDHOOD OF JESUS CHRIST

These notes are made for CRE learners (age 12). We will learn where and how Jesus was born, who met Him, what happened to Him as a child and the important lessons we can learn for life in Kenya today.

Learning Objectives

• Know the main events of Jesus' birth and childhood (who, where, when).
• Recall key Bible verses about His early life.
• Understand simple meanings and lessons for Christian living in Kenya.

Quick Timeline (simple)

• Annunciation: Angel tells Mary she will have a baby (Luke 1:26–38). ✨
• Birth in Bethlehem: Jesus is born in a manger because there was no room in the inn (Luke 2:1–7). 🐑👶
• Shepherds visit: Angels tell shepherds; they come to worship (Luke 2:8–20). 🐑🙏
• Presentation at the Temple: Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:22–38).
• Visit of the Wise Men (Magi): From the East, bring gifts; warn Joseph about King Herod (Matthew 2:1–12). ⭐
• Flight to Egypt: Joseph, Mary and Jesus escape to Egypt to avoid Herod (Matthew 2:13–15).
• Return to Nazareth: Family settles in Nazareth where Jesus grows up (Matthew 2:19–23; Luke 2:39–40).
• Growing in wisdom: Jesus grows physically and spiritually (Luke 2:51–52). 📖

Important People

• Mary – Jesus’ mother, showed obedience and faith.
• Joseph – Mary’s husband, a caring and obedient father-figure.
• Shepherds – simple people invited to worship Jesus.
• Magi (Wise Men) – travellers who followed a star to honour Jesus.
• King Herod – wanted to kill Jesus because he feared losing power.

Key Bible Verses to Learn

• Luke 2:7 – The birth of Jesus in a manger.
• Luke 2:10–11 – “Good news of great joy... a Savior has been born.”
• Matthew 2:11 – The Wise Men worship and give gifts.
• Luke 2:52 – “Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Memory verse)

Simple Meanings and Lessons (for Kenyan children)

1. Humble beginnings can be part of God’s plan — Jesus was born in a simple place (a manger). Even if we come from a small village, God can use us. 🌾
2. Obedience and faith — Mary and Joseph trusted God and obeyed what they were told. Children should respect and listen to parents and teachers (Ephesians 6:1–3 applies later).
3. Sharing and giving — The Wise Men brought gifts to honour Jesus. We can share what we have with others in need (like in churches and community). 🎁
4. Trust God in danger — The family moved to Egypt to protect Jesus. When we face problems, we can pray and seek wise help (church leaders, parents). 🙏
5. Grow in wisdom — Jesus learned and grew. You should study, go to Sunday school, and learn from elders. 🎒

Short Classroom Activities

• Draw a simple map showing Nazareth, Bethlehem and Egypt to show the family’s journey.
• Role-play: Act out the shepherds visiting the baby Jesus or the Wise Men following the star.
• Memory verse practice: Learn Luke 2:52. Say it in a group and explain its meaning in your own words.
• Discussion: How can your family show welcome and care like Joseph and Mary did?

Short Quiz (for revision)

1. Where was Jesus born? (a) Nazareth (b) Bethlehem (c) Jerusalem
2. Who told Mary she would have a baby? (a) A shepherd (b) An angel (c) A king
3. Who came first to worship Jesus after His birth? (a) Wise Men (b) Shepherds (c) Soldiers
4. Why did the family go to Egypt? (a) For work (b) To hide from Herod (c) For a holiday
5. Which verse says Jesus grew in wisdom and stature? (a) Matthew 2:1 (b) Luke 2:52 (c) John 3:16

Answers: 1(b) 2(b) 3(b) 4(b) 5(b)

Reflection and Prayer

Think for a moment: What can you learn from Joseph and Mary about trust and obedience? Pray that God helps you to grow in wisdom, kindness and courage like Jesus did.

Teacher / Parent tip: Use local examples (a small Kenyan home, a village church) when explaining the manger and the travels. Encourage learners to share stories from their own families about caring and trust.