What Can Jesus’ Childhood Teach Us? (Luke, Part 1) Series

Introduction

- When we were last in the Gospel of Luke, it was a very familiar story

• We discussed Advent (the waiting & revealing of the Messiah)

• We also rejoiced at the birth of Jesus – God incarnate (Immanuel)

- Today we’ll begin a study of Luke; this should take ~ 3 months (to Easter)

- Luke is an interesting Gospel because the view of events is different

-- For example: Luke was not one of the “original” disciples

-- He never met Jesus personally – he was not at the “ministry events”

-- Also, Luke was probably not converted until after the resurrection

- Examining the language of the text indicates that the author was well educated

-- Familiar with Greek –very well versed in communication skills (skilled orator)

-- He also had an excellent understanding of politics & culture of the time

- We know that Luke was a physician – helped Paul throughout his ministry

-- He was most likely a Gentile from Antioch (Syria) addressing a Gentile audience

- Interesting tidbit: We find later in Luke the conversation between the two robbers crucified alongside Jesus … but see that one of them defended Jesus and received the promise of paradise. John was at the cross and doesn’t tell this story!

- What we really see is Luke’s interest in people is undeniable! Very genuine!

-- Much of the material unique to Luke’s involves Jesus’s interactions with people

-- Many on the fringes of “acceptable” society: sinners, sick, women, children

- Application of Luke’s gospel:

1. Luke’s portrayal of Jesus reveals a man who came to minister and show compassion to all people, no matter their station in life.

2. The richness of Luke’s portrayal of Jesus has profound implications for our relationship with God today (if we will seek Him out).

- Purpose (my hope) of exploring this Gospel:

• Some stories may be very familiar (even from your childhood)

• Others may have a different slant to them (Luke perspective; analytical)

• But they all have one common theme … get this:

• They show us what we can glean from Jesus on HOW to live!

- For us, even in 2022, Luke is very relevant to the times we face today, right now

- Read Luke 2:41-52 / Pray

- TR: This is the only passage that gives us a glimpse of Jesus’ childhood

-- So, we’ll simply call this period …

Point 1 – The Early Years

- Jesus’ faithfulness in worship was worth paying attention too (41-42)

-- Mary and Joseph were also very faithful in their worship

-- The custom was to return to Jerusalem for Feast of the Passover

-- All males were required to attend temple 3 times a year

-- Exodus 23:14-17, “Each year you must celebrate three festivals in my honor. 15 First, celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, just as I commanded you. Celebrate this festival annually at the appointed time in early spring, in the month of Abib, for that is the anniversary of your departure from Egypt. No one may appear before me without an offering. “Second, celebrate the Festival of Harvest, when you bring me the first crops of your harvest. “Finally, celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest at the end of the harvest season, when you have harvested all the crops from your fields. At these three times each year, every man in Israel must appear before the Sovereign, the Lord.” Ask: Where did God reside? The tabernacle!

- Women were exempt, but could attend if they wanted

-- However, it was customary that all who understood would be present

-- Where did we see that? On screen … Nehemiah 8:2 gives direction (not crazy!)

- FACT: Jesus’ parents led and taught him faithfulness to God

-- Passage implies that they went each year, although not specifically stated

-- Why? Because worship was critical, it was important to Mary and Joseph

- RE: They know who they are raising … not a time to skimp on faithfulness

-- CHALLENGE: Do we live same way? Faithful b/c of Who lives inside of us?

- Jesus’ social development was average, or normal (43-45)

-- While returning home, we see that Mary and Joseph weren’t worried about him

-- Probably figured he was somewhere in the caravan – running with other kids

-- Consider: Roads would be packed with travelers to/from Jerusalem

-- As a child, he would’ve had access to socialize with many families

- Fact: He was considered so normal they didn’t look for him until night (44)

-- Now, put yourself in the position of Mary and Joseph …

-- Worry, stress, anxiety, sadness, FEAR … all normal feelings for parents