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
-- And, when they did not find him, it was then that they headed back to Jerusalem
- We also learn that His knowledge was surprising (46-47)
-- Pay attention that it took Mary and Joseph three days to find Him!
-- And where was He? In the temple, discussing the things of God
- This would’ve been a very prominent place – doctrinal theses argued here
? Luke’s focus: Would you look at how knowledgeable this “kid” is?
- Just think of some of the teachers of the day (who prob. would’ve been there)
• Gamaliel, great teacher of Paul (Saul of Tarsus)
• Hillel, liberal teacher with many followers
• Shammai, conservative teacher with many followers
• Simeon, teacher who later succeeded Hillel
• Nicodemus, later sent to interview Jesus alone (ref. John 3)
- All these men would be shocked at Jesus’ knowledge of OT (deep theology)
-- And certainly, would’ve come to see this … RE: Jesus spent 3 days at temple
- What is key here, we must see this, is what Jesus is actively doing:
• He was listening to them (GR: akouonta – to hear)
• He was asking them questions (GR: eperotonta – to inquire)
• He was answering their questions (GR: apokrisesin – to answer)
- APP: Jesus is doing exactly what He calls us to do: to “thirst” for knowledge
-- Proverbs 4:5, “Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.”
-- John 8:31-32, “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
-- 2 Peter 1:5, “In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge...” KEY: Jesus, as a child, shows us how to live!
- TR: We need to understand something critical about Jesus …
Point 2 – Even as a child, Jesus had a God-centered mission
- What we know is Mary rebukes Jesus for being gone … parental instinct
-- Consider: Did she forget who it was that she was talking with?
-- As a parent she is concerned; that is her primary focus (100% human)
- However, by Law, Jesus was exactly where He should be!
-- Where? In His Father’s House, doing His Father’s business
-- It is why His response is so directive – and yet tender at the same time
- Additionally, Jesus speaks about Who He really is (glimpse at Messiahship)
1. He calls God “His Father”, even with Joseph standing there
-- Interesting: At age 12, He was conscious of His relationship with God
2. He confesses who has been looking after Him (God) in His house
-- We all need to be under the authority of God, and Jesus shows us how
-- KEY: Confession of Who you belong to matters … and Jesus does this (49)
- Just an interesting note, sometimes our families can be our strongest opposition
-- They can challenge us to confront our decisions and even our work for God
-- Matthew 10:37, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.”
-- APP: Jesus’ challenge here is simple: Who will you obey when called? Exp …
- TR: So even as a child, and especially as Jesus grew …
Point 3 – His growth was in favor with man AND God
- Jesus was obviously filled with wisdom (see Luke 2:40)
-- He learned from teachers and those around Him and from personal study
-- He would’ve also been physically growing normally; appearance of normal man
- He would’ve grown strong in the Spirit – achieving knowledge from God
-- GR: proekorten; to continue advancing, to grow steadily …
- Socially, if you consider what we know about Jesus, several things stand out:
-- He was friendly, loving, caring, helpful, unselfish, pure, honest, and humble
-- His rearing was in a traditional sense, but he was perfectly normal
-- His being welcomed into the community would’ve been an obvious result
- APP: These are traits that you and I can learn from and grow into also
- TR: So, from the early years what do we take away this week?
Big Idea
1. Even as a child, Jesus was fully human
- We must not lose sight - this is what should endear Him to us (same experiences)
2. His hunger for God’s knowledge governed His life’s ambitions
- As a young child, He wanted to know more about God (has same opp. we do)
3. What He desired should matter to us … be about the Father’s business!
- What mattered to Him most, was doing the things God would have Him do
- So, my challenge is straight forward: Where we you in this?
- If a child can grasp the importance of knowing God, intimately … can’t we?
- Pray
