Jesus In The Temple - Laying Foundations For A Successful Faith Walk

But is it really any wonder when we look at the man who raised him? St. Matthew describe Joseph this way:

He was spiritually pure - He was a man of holiness and righteousness

He was a man who pondered over things - He was a thinker

He was a man who was very protective over the innocent

He was a man who was progressive in his personal faith walk with the LORD

He was a man open to God's leading in new understanding and ways.

I am sure Joseph did all he could to mentor Jesus in these ways. We see Joseph's teaching in the way Jesus knelt down and without a word wrote in the sand the day He dealt with the woman caught in adultery. We see how Jesus pondered and then made that statement that he who is without sin cast the first stone. We see how Jesus spend great deals of time in prayer. We see Jesus being very protective over the innocent. I think if we take the time we can see Joseph's mentoring in the ministry and message of Jesus.

But there was something else about Jesus. Like Samuel, Daniel and David before him, Jesus was open to the leadings of His Heavenly Father at an early age. Like Joseph in Genesis age did not stop him from being able to hear HIs Heavenly Father.

For when Mary speaks to Jesus in our passage this morning, his answer is rather simple; Mom, you should have known that I had to be where my Heavenly Father's work is being done. Mom, you raised me to follow God and that is what I am doing (paraphrase mine)

Again, does not Luke challenge us in this area?

What is our greatest desire for our children and grand-children?

What is our heart's desire for them?

Is it to love God with all their heart, mind and strength?

Is it to have them follow God's leading and direction?

This morning, Luke challenges us as 12 years olds, as 18 year olds and as 20, 30, 40 and on up. Could we have conversed effectively with those teachers of the Temple? Do we feel comfortable in talking about the Bible and God?

If we don't feel that we can we have to ask ourselves why not? What would be the reason we would give to our LORD this morning for us to not being able to talk about the Bible with learned men and women? Would we really tell God that we have not had the time to read His Word, attend His Worship and spend time in Prayer? All of this is rather heart searching isn't it?

We once again come to the close of another secular year. In just a few days we will be entering into 2016. In light of what we have read this morning, why don't we end this year by preparing our hearts and lives to be ready to be a even better student of God's Word. Why don't we end and start the New Year with a plan, with a purpose and with passion that we are going to get to the place whether we are 12 or 92 that we are going to get to the place where we can be right where Jesus was in the midst of the best of the teachers and be able to share the WORD. That we are going to make it our passion to always be ready to be able to share the WORD with others regardless of their knowledge or age.

Some of the greatest preachers, teachers and witnesses of the WORD never had a formal education. Oliver B. Greene did not finish college but through his ministry over 200,000 people came to know Jesus. Uncle Buddy Robinson from White County, TN started was illiterate when he came to the LORD. He ended up writing 10 books and leading more than 200,000 people to Jesus during his ministry.