INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Going Home with Jesus
2. Going Home without Jesus
3. Going Home with Jesus
Introductory Remarks.
1. Our lesson today will discuss: "Going home without Jesus." Before noticing our theme, we will consider that this couple would go home with (carrying) Jesus. Joseph and Mary would journey to Bethlehem to register for taxes. Luke points out that: "Mary was great with child" as they journey some 80 miles from Nazareth to their hometown – Bethlehem. It will be in this city that the Saviour will be born. Many call this time of the year the "Christmas season." We are not sure that this was the time that Christ was born. But we are thankful that Christ is: "The reason for the season" and for the joy of His birth, which continues to bless all humanity. I would suggest that there are many today: "Going home without Jesus." We will confine our lesson to the text from Luke Chapter 2; and Matthew Chapter 1.
2. First, we will discuss going home with Jesus. The parents of the soon-to-be-born child; were journeying to their hometown, Bethlehem. Mary was great with child. Bethlehem was the Prophetic city where the Savior was to be born. Joseph and Mary sought a place to lodge and prepare for the birth of her "firstborn Son." There was kin folk there, but they could not seek lodging with them in Mary's condition. How do you explain her current condition – just recently becoming the wife of Joseph? She was going home to Bethlehem with (carrying) Jesus. They would find "no room in the inn on their arrival." God provided lodging for His Son's birth in a stable – not a palace. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes – not a purple robe of royalty. He would lie in a manger – not in a bed of kings. The Son of God had no royal announcement of his birth by decree – but from an angel telling shepherds nearby that a child was born – who is Christ the Lord – in Bethlehem.
3. Second, we will discuss going home without Jesus. We find the family of Jesus completing their annual visit to Jerusalem during the Passover, going home without Him. They had traveled a full day's journey only to learn that Jesus was not with them. The family had left the child behind in Jerusalem. They were going home without Jesus. We cannot imagine the worry and fear that went through Mary's heart. God had given the child to her for safekeeping – and now she has lost Him. When Mary asked of the child's whereabouts, Joseph no doubt remarked, "I thought he was with you." Just like many fathers would today, Hu? They would return to Jerusalem and find Him in the temple – sitting among the teachers and leaders, listening to them, and asking them questions.
4. Finally, we will discuss again, going home with Jesus. The family took Jesus to the city of Nazareth, where he would be raised until His manifestation and ministry to the world. Luke wrote: "Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men," Luke 2:51-52. In Luke's account in Chapter 2, we find the conditions of Jesus' birth and early childhood history. Not much is said regarding Him, but that: "He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." With this brief introduction, let's consider our first point: "Going home with Jesus."
BODY OF LESSON
I GOING HOME WITH JESUS
A. Caesar Augustus. Luke wrote: "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his city," Luke 2:1-2. Observe,
1. Joseph's visit: "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)," Luke 2:3-4; Romans 1:3-4.
2. Mary was traveling along to accompany Joseph on this journey; to fulfill the scripture: "For thus it is written by the prophet, and thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel," Matthew 2:5-6; Micah 5:2; John 7:42.
a. Many today honor this period – as the "Christmas" holiday season.
b. We cannot be sure that this is, in fact, the time of Christ's birth.
c. We rejoice, however, that we are living in a nation; that reverence this historical event. This nation should be applauded; for its remembrance during this holiday season regarding the birth of Jesus Christ.
d. This day has been set aside for this purpose, and we, as Christians, should be grateful.
B. The trip's purpose. Luke expounded: "To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered," Luke 2:3-5. Joseph did not seek out any family; after arriving in Bethlehem. Why? Indeed, there must have been some relatives there. Observe, I might offer,
1. First, How do you explain Mary's condition to the family? That she is great with child – but it is not mine! Whose child? It's God's Child – conceived by the Holy Ghost. Who told you this? Are you still marrying her? What else has she done? Within a typical family, the questions would be unending.
2. Further, she was carrying a child without knowing her husband. We know why all this was so, but, at first, neither understood God's will.
3. Next, the angel's visit and announcement unto Mary; and, later, unto Joseph regarding her conception:
a. Angel's visit to Mary: "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son, and call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom, there shall be no end," Luke 1:31-33.
b. Angel's visit to Joseph: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." Observe,
1) Joseph's character: "Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily."
2) Joseph’s confusion: “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying:”
3) His consolation: “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”
4) His commission: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins,” Matthew 1:18-21.
c. Conclusion: This was a testing time for both Mary and Joseph. Mary, in her belief that God would fulfill His promise unto her, and Joseph, that he would believe the words of the Holy Ghost and move forward with the marriage. God had hand-picked both these wonderful people; to allow Christ to be born in the lineage of David; to fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures.
4. Finally, the divine reason: "Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took her to be his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called his name JESUS," Matthew 1:22-25. Observe,
a. They made this pilgrimage to fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures.
b. Divine providence has taken the mother and father there.
c. That the Christ, the King of the Jews, might be born there, Matthew 2:1-8.
d. That the seed of David might come out of the town of Bethlehem, John 7:40-42.
Note: Review our lesson: The Father of Another's Son, on SermonCentral.com. This lesson deals with the human drama surrounding this blessed event.
C. Her firstborn Son. Luke wrote: “And she (Mary) brought forth her firstborn Son: and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn,” Luke 2:5-7; Galatians 4:4.
1. Isaiah wrote: "For unto us a child is born, unto us, a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this," Isaiah 9:6-7; Acts 2:29-36. The birth of Christ and the establishment of His church is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Consider,
a. Jesus now sits on David’s throne. Peter said so on Pentecost, Acts 2:32-36.
1) Luke wrote: “Christ was raised from the dead to sit on David's throne,” Acts 2:29-31. God gave it to Him when He returned to heaven, Daniel 7:13-14; Hebrews 1:1-14; 1 Ephesians 1:22-23.
2) Paul wrote: He reigns over His kingdom - and will, until His return, 1 Corinthians 15:20-22. Notice the finality of things at Christ's second coming. Observe,
a) First, “Then comes the end,” 1 Corinthians 15:23-24.
b) Further, He will "deliver up the kingdom to God," not set it up.
c) Next, He will “put down all rule, authority, and power," not take it up!
d) Finally, “For He must reign till…all enemies are under His feet,” 1 Corinthians 15:25-26.
I wish I had some help up in this house! Amen, brother Usher.
3) At Christ’s second advent: “Then cometh the end,” 1 Corinthians 15:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-11. This truth is called "eschatology." The study of the last things, "the end."
NOTE: Jerry Falwell taught and believed in Pre-millennialism at Liberty University. However,
4) Paul does not mention an R71000: "A rapture, seven years of tribulation, or a 1000-year reign" in 1 Corinthians 15:23-24. He penned: “They that are Christ’s at His coming. Then cometh the end.” Let’s continue,
b. The government shall be upon his shoulder: “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so, he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open,” Isaiah 22:22.
1) Isaiah speaks of Jesus – the government shall be upon his shoulder – and He shall have the key of the house of David.
2) He shall reign over the house of Jacob and the throne of his father David, Luke 2:31-33.
3) Christ is Son over the house of God, Hebrews 4:6.
4) The house of the living God, 1 Timothy 3:15-16; Ephesians 1:22-23.
c. The church in Philadelphia. John wrote: “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name,” Revelation 3:7-8.
d. He also has the keys of: "Hades and death." Revelation 1:17-18.
2. Isaiah wrote again: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” Isaiah 7:14. Matthew wrote: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us,” Matthew 1:23. This is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
3. Isaiah wrote not only a “child is born,” but also: “a Son is given (offered).” This scripture is the prophecy of Isaiah 53.
a. We understand this to mean His death at Calvary. He was given – being lifted on the cross for the sins of all humanity. Consider,
b. John wrote: "As Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness…God so loved the world that he gave,'' John 3:14-17.
c. Jesus said: "If I am lifted above the earth, I will draw all men unto me…This He said, signifying by what death he should die," John 12:32-33.
1) Jesus speaks here of the serpent sent among the people of Israel for their rebellion against God and Moses, Numbers 21:6-8; Deuteronomy 8:15.
2) And as they looked upon the serpent of brass and was healed; we too must look upon the Lord for our healing, Numbers 21:9; Isaiah 53:5.
d. The prophet Zechariah wrote: "And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn," Zechariah 12:10.
1) John wrote: "Not one of His bones shall be broken…they shall look on Him whom they pierced," John 19:34-37.
2) This prophecy was fulfilled in Christ's death and suffering on the cross of Calvary.
3) Jehovah said: “In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem…In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness," Zechariah 12:11; Zechariah 13:1; Luke 24:44-47. The prophet speaks of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31-32; Matthew 16:21. Amen, brother Walls!
D. Bethlehem was the city. Where the prophet spoke of the birth of a king, Micah wrote: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting," Micah 5:2; John 7:40-44. Consider,
1. The angel’s announcement: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you (there) is born this day: in the city of David; a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord,” Luke 2:8-11.
2. The angel’s sign: "And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men," Luke 2:12-14.
NOTE: The wise men came bearing precious gifts [gold, frankincense, and myrrh] and gave them to Jesus, Matthew 2:7-12. They gave unto Jesus their best. This holiday season is a time of giving. The whole year should be a time to give to others, especially the Lord. And giving gifts to family, friends, co-workers, and even church members is never wrong. I only caution not to give gifts to receive them. It is more "blessed to give than to receive," Acts 20:35.
3. Christmas is considered a “holiday” and not a “holy day.” Look at your calendar. Paul wrote to Rome about "diets, days, distillers, etc.” Consider,
a. These are customs, traditions, and not religious observances, Romans 14:1-23.
b. He concluded: "Let every man be persuaded in his mind," Romans 14:5-6.
c. Such practices appeal to one’s interest or indifference: towards matters of conscience, personal choices, or preferences, which are not matters of faith! We must not judge others in such matters.
d. Be cautious not to make these issues matters of faith to yourself and others.
4. The day of circumcision: “And when the eight days were completed. And his circumcision – His name was called Jesus,” Luke 2:21.
5. The days of purification: "And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord … And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth," Luke 2:22-39.
E. And the child grew, waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him," Luke 2:39-40. He grew like an average child. The grace of God was upon Him!
1. John wrote: “The law was given through Moses; but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” John 1:17. He was the Word incarnated: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth,” John 1:14.
2. Paul wrote: It was to this glory regarding Christ, he explains to the church at Philippi.
a. He existed in the beginning in the "form of God." (Jesus shared God's divine nature from eternity).
b. He made himself of no reputation. (Jesus emptied Himself of all glory and majesty).
c. He took upon himself: “The form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
d. He being "found fashioned as a man." (He took upon the very nature of humanity).
e. He “humbled himself.” He set aside his rights to glory, honor, and divinity.
f. He became: "Obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Jesus willingly became the "Son that was to be given.")
g. But God, as a result of His humility and obedience:
1) “Has highly exalted Him.”
2) “Giving Him a name above all others,” Acts 4:12.
3) “That every knee shall bow to Him.”
4) “That every tongue shall confess Jesus Christ as Lord.”
5) “To the glory of God, the Father,” Philippians 2:5-11.
3. All this was possible because: "For unto us a child was born, unto us a Son was given." And His name is Jesus! Stay with me, beloved church! He is now "both Lord and Christ," Acts 2:36. Let's consider our next point, "Going home without Jesus."
II GOING HOME WITHOUT JESUS
A. Parents went to Jerusalem. Luke wrote: "Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve, they went to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned (to Nazareth), the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem," Luke 2:41-42. The child Jesus was not with them; they were going home without Jesus.
B. Luke continued: “And Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance,” Luke 2:43-44. Jesus was a “busy child.” Busy about “His Father’s business.”
C. When they found him not. Luke declared: "And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him." Unaware of this valuable lesson, they left the child in Jerusalem. They began their trip home without Him. But, realizing he was not with them, they returned to Jerusalem to find Him. Observe,
1. If you are going to find Jesus, you must go back to Jerusalem. Many suppose Jesus is with them, and he is not. They have not yet acquired faith in him, nor obeying "from the heart that form of doctrine, making them free from their sins,” Romans 6:17-18; John 8:31-36.
NOTE: Illustrate the jailer’s attempted suicide – supposing that the prisoners had fled. But Paul cried: "Do thy self no harm, for we are all here," Acts 16:25-34. Why didn't he get up and look first? Why don't many today pick up their bibles and look for Jesus in the Word? They have not done a “bible examination of their faith.” I might humbly add: “If your faith cannot stand bible examination, it is not worth having,” 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.
a. Jesus said: “Search the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testify of me,” John 5:39; John 5:45-47; Matthew 22:29.
b. Isaiah wrote: "And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart," Jeremiah 29:13; John 7:34; Psalms 91:15.
c. Paul wrote of the Bereans: "These were nobler than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so," Acts 17:11; Isaiah 34:16.
d. Paul admonished those on Mars’ Hill: “That they should seek the Lord, though He was not far from every one of us,” Acts 17:27; Acts 14:17; Jeremiah 23:23.
e. It would behoove any looking for Jesus: "To search for Him and believe in Him as the scripture hath said," John 7:37-39; 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:15-17.
2. To find the church – you must return to Jerusalem. Notice:
a. Zechariah wrote: "Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of Hosts, and a line shall be stretched upon Jerusalem," Zechariah 1:16.
b. David wrote: "Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain," Psalms 127:1.
c. Isaiah wrote: “It shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say: Come ye, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of His ways, and we shall walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem," Isaiah 2:2-3; 1 Timothy 3:15.
3. To receive the Holy Ghost, you must seek Him in Jerusalem, Luke 24:49; Acts 1:1-8; Acts 2:1-5. Peter told the repentant believers how to be “forgiven of their sins and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32.
4. To identify apostolic preaching – you must hear what was preached in Jerusalem, Isaiah 2:2-3; Luke 24:44-47; Acts 2:42.
5. To obey the New Testament’s "pattern of conversion," - you must return to Jerusalem, Luke 24:44-49; Acts 2:36-38.
D. Found him in the temple. Luke continued: "And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions, And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers," Luke 2:46-47. Consider,
1. In Christ resides all wisdom and righteousness, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
2. In the gospel: “The righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith,” Romans 1:16-18; Romans 3:23-26.
3. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness, Romans 10:1-4.
4. In Christ, we obtain the righteousness of God: “For he hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
5. That we might become the servants of righteousness in Christ, Romans 6:17-18.
E. I must be about my father's business. Luke again: "And when they saw him, they were amazed: his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me? Wist ye, not that: I must be about my father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them," Luke 2:41-52. It is high time that we, as the Lord's church, be about "Our Father's business." Let's notice our last thought, going home with Jesus.
III GOING HOME WITH JESUS
A. He went down with them. Luke continued: "And he went down with them and came to Nazareth." Our Lord now becomes subject unto His parents. We will hear no more of Him until His baptism of John in the river of Jordon. Interestingly, Jesus did not begin his work for His heavenly Father until he was baptized, Matthew 3:15-17. As this act of obedience was pleasing to His heavenly Father, it must be clear to all of us – that the same kind of obedience is required if we are also to please God.
B. Subject unto them: "And He was subject unto them." Jesus was in subjection to His Parents! Young people think about this; next time you want to talk back to your parents. What would Jesus say about my behavior?
1. Children – must be subject to their parents. Paul wrote: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right, Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with a promise); that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth," Ephesians 6:1-3.
2. Wives – must be subject to their husbands, Ephesians 5:22-23. I know this is a strong statement; however, this is the will of the Lord.
a. If husbands love their wives; in the same manner as Christ loves the church – no wife would have a problem being subject to their husband.
b. The husband ought not to rule over them as being lords; but in loving care for them: "As unto the weaker vessel," 1 Peter 3:7. Observe,
1) Wives are not weak; but, as appose to the husbands; she is the weaker vessel.
2) Husbands must dwell with their wives: "According to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered," 1 Peter 3:7.
3. Husbands – you must be subject to the Lord, Ephesians 5:21.
NOTE: Illustrate husband love your wives, Ephesians 5:23-33.
4. The church – must be subject to its leaders, Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17; Hebrews 13:24.
C. His mother. Luke continued: "But his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." There are many other things I'm sure the Mother of Jesus kept in her heart - that is not written.
1. Most mothers will regard the precious things; that their child or children do, and cherish such moments, forever. Mary would have a lot of similar moments regarding this child, Jesus.
a. There will be happy times, but there will also come a time of deep anguish and sorrow; as she gazed at Him on the cross.
b. Simeon’s words of exhortation, Luke 2:25-35.
1) First, “And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him,” Luke 2:33.
2) Next, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy soul also,) that the thought of many hearts may be revealed," Luke 2:34-35.
c. John wrote of Calvary: "Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. (Words cannot express the sorrow and grief; His mother must have endured). When Jesus, therefore, saw His mother, and the disciples standing by, whom he loved, he said unto His mother, Woman, behold thy Son! Then saith He to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour he (John) took her unto his own home," John 19:25-27.
d. Conclusion: Enjoy these times of celebration; for there will also come times of sorrow and pain before us.
1) Enjoy your family during this celebration season; forgive past transgressions; heal old wounds. There will come a time; all this will be too late!
2) Nothing saving Christ; is more important to a Christian than the love of his family (wife, husband, children, and grandchildren).
2. The Christmas season. During this Xmas season; we will share gifts, review family pictures and movies; recount joyful moments with laughter, and thank God for the family gathering and Christmas dinner.
3. Hopefully, being mindful that: "Jesus is the reason for the season." During this season of celebration, let us reflect on Him and the joy His birth has brought into the world.
4. Remember the angel's announcement: "For he shall save His people from their sins," Matthew 1:21. I pray no one will forget this message.
NOTE: I know some struggle with this season. I encourage you to review our lesson: "Let Every Man Be Fully Persuaded," on SermonCentral.com. This lesson will help you understand this is a time of celebration. Christians can also enjoy this season of Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas “gatherings, giving, and receiving of gifts.”
D. Jesus increased. Luke wrote further: "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature." Our Lord would grow up in the city of Nazareth; and, at 30, be manifested to the world. He would begin His ministry of redemption and reconciliation.
E. Favor with God. Luke concluded: "And He was in favor with God and man," Luke 2:51-52. Children and saints, remember that we, too, should always strive to be in favor of God and men. Everyone must prepare to "go home with Jesus." I will tell you how to do just that! As I conclude, let me summarize what we discussed in this lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Going Home with Jesus
2. Going Home without Jesus
3. Going Home with Jesus
B. Summarize main points
1. Our first point, the parents of Jesus had journeyed to their hometown of Bethlehem. Mary was great with child. Bethlehem was the Prophetic city where the Savior was to be born. Joseph and Mary sought a place to lodge and prepare for the birth of her "firstborn Son." In Mary's condition, kin folk was there, but they could not seek lodging with them. How do you explain her current condition – just being recently married to Joseph? She was going home with (carrying) Jesus. They would find "no room in the inn on their arrival." God provided lodging for His Son's birth in a stable – not a palace. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes – not a robe of silk and royalty. He lies in a manger – not in a bed of kings. The Son of God had no announcement of his birth from decree – but from a chorus of angels telling the shepherds nearby that a child was born – who is Christ the Lord – in Bethlehem.
2. Our next point, we found the family of Jesus completing their visit to Jerusalem during the Passover. They had traveled a full day's journey only to learn that Jesus was not with them. The family had left the child behind in Jerusalem. They were going home without Jesus. We cannot imagine the worry and fear that went through Mary's heart. God had given the child to her for safekeeping – and now she has lost Him. When Mary asked of the child's whereabouts, Joseph no doubt remarked, "I thought he was with you." Just like many fathers would today, Hu? They would return to Jerusalem and find Him in the temple – sitting amid the teachers and leaders, listening to them, and asking them questions.
3. Finally, our last point, we found the family going home this time with Jesus. The family took Jesus to the city of Nazareth, where he would be raised until His manifestation and ministry to the world. Luke wrote: "Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men," Luke 2:51-52. In Luke's account in Chapter 2, we find the conditions of Jesus' birth and early childhood history. Not much is said regarding Him, but that: "He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
C. Invitation. As believers, "we ought to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath," James 1:19. To be saved, everyone must obey the pattern of conversion, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14.
D. Exhortation. Let it not be said of us: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself from this untoward (wicked and ungodly) generation,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41. Illustrate: "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience." Luke wrote of Jesus' purpose: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he that anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and to recover the sight of the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord," Luke 4:18-19. Jesus is the answer. Won't you decide to follow him right now?
Credits and Contributions
I give credit to my contributors; I, therefore: "Render to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due)," Romans 13:7. I thank and acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory, and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
10. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, @ 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
Thank you for this valuable tool of study, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great application to help study the scriptures.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
Contact me at: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
or refreeman@earthlink.net
Sermon updated: 12/4/2022.
Visit and worship with the Church of Christ at Pickensville, AL, every Sunday at 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 6:00 PM. The call-in number is: 1-302-202-1110, Pin # is 214733. These men “know the Shepherd!”
