Tag: Luke 2
Jesus at twelve!
Scripture reading for March 5: Luke 2
“And when His parents saw Him, they were astonished. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And He said to them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that He spoke to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:48-52
Children sometimes give their parents reasons for stress and distress. Our oldest son once decided to go on a self-proclaimed retreat without letting us know where he went or for how long. This was before cell phones or air tags! We looked all over and finally got word that he was camping several miles away. This same thing happened to Jesus’ parents after a trip to the temple in Jerusalem for a festival of Israel. Jesus failed to join the journey home and his absence was finally noticed part way there. The parents returned distressed and looking for Him. They found Him in the temple asking questions and listening to the rabbi’s and teachers.
When Mary and Joseph asked Jesus why He had treated them so disrespectfully, He answered them with a curious statement: “Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” Mary and Joseph did not know how to process that at this point. Their world-view was being challenged by their Son. There is no comment on how Joseph dealt with this, but Mary, His mother, pondered these things in her heart. Jesus submitted to their will and understanding and lived in obedience. As He did, He grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. That’s good advice for us all and a good word for your children!
Have you ever been misunderstood by those in your family? Have you ever been the cause of distress for your parents? How did they and you end up handling this?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for causing distress in the lives of those in authority over me. Help me to continue to grow in wisdom and favor with You and those around me. I treasure in my heart Your Word and ponder Your instructions to obey in faith. Amen.
Father’s House!
Scripture reading for March 4th: Luke 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Luke 2:48-50 “When 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.” “Why were you searching for me?” He asked. Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s House?” But they did not understand what He was saying to them.”
We know very little of Jesus’ childhood after the visit of the wise men and His trip to Egypt and return to Nazareth. Joseph and Mary evidently lead an ordinary life and had other children that Jesus grew up with. They were Jews who were devout and visited Jerusalem for the feast of Passover every year. (Luke 2:41) Luke records that Jesus went with His family when He was twelve years old and on the way back home, was found to be missing from the company of travelers from Nazareth.
When His parents returned to Jerusalem, they found Jesus in the temple courts sitting with the teachers and asking questions. When they questioned Him, He told them they should have known that He had to be in His Father’s House! This was one of the earliest revelations by Jesus of His true identity! Our identity is now tied to our Father through Jesus Christ!
Observations for over-comers: It is a good thing to be in ‘Father’s House’! We must never forget our identity and our destiny! “I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, “You are My Son, today I have become Your Father. Ask of Me, and I will amke the nations Your inheritance and ends of the earth Your possession.” (Psalm 2:7-8)
Simeon’s prophesy!
Scripture reading for March 5th: Luke 2
The baby Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day according to the Law. After the time of Mary’s purification, Joseph and Mary took Him to the temple to dedicate Him to the Lord as the law commanded for the first-born son. (Exodus 13:2, 12) Everything was done according to the Law of the Lord because Jesus would need to fulfill all the Law in order to fulfill His mission to save mankind.
When they arrived at the temple, a man called Simeon was waiting at the temple. He had been praying and watching for the coming Messiah for many years. The Holy Spirit moved upon him to speak a word of prophesy over Jesus and Mary. “Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:28-32)
This amazing prophesy confirmed to Joseph and Mary the meaning of the name “Jesus”! (“The Lord Saves”) Jesus would save all people, Jew and Gentile, from their sins and bring glory to His people Israel. Jesus was the ‘consolation of Israel’! God revealed this truth to a praying prophet and confirmed His Word to His servants.
Simeon’s final word concerned Mary. “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts if many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:33-35) Simeon spoke of the conflict surrounding the child and how that would affect Mary. Those words surely came to pass!