Jesus as a Young Man

Luke 2:41-52

L/W

T/W-Picking up from last, we come to the only passage that covers the childhood of Jesus Christ. In his commentary on this section of Scripture and time period of Jesus Christ, Warren Weirsbe states the following:

“Jesus is a wonderful example for all young people to follow. He grew in a balanced way (Luke 2:52) without neglecting any part of life, and His priority was to do the will of the Father (Matt 6:33). He knew how to listen (Luke 2:46) and how to ask the right questions. He learned how to work, and He was obedient to His parents....He grew up in a large family, in a despised city, nurtured by parents who were probably poor.”

These verses also contain a familiar passage (to some). It’s story of Jesus, at age 12, remaining in Jerusalem as his parents traveled back home and the subsequent converation b/t He and His mother, where we are given the first known recorded words of Jesus concerning His Messiahship— “…Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”

In our time today, as we study the verses leading to Jesus’ statement and the verses following, within their context, may we recognized the inexhaustible lessons and applications.

(READ LUKE 2:41-52)

There are several perspectives to be seen in these verses. But the undelying application amidst all we will discuss today is found unpacking Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Christ is the Messiah and those who have professed Him as Lord and Savior, should desire to “increase”/grow steadily and keep advancing as we cut through the wilderness of this world until God calls us home or Christ returns.

I. (v.41-42) We must note the faithfulness of Jesus’ worship

Luke 2:41–42 “His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.”

(CONTEXT) Two things to see here:

The faithfulness of Jesus’ parents in worship; a fact specifically noted by Luke, “His parents went…every year.”

Following the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20, God gave further instructions to the Israelites, especially to all male Jews who lived within 20 miles of Jerusalem: to attend the temple 3 times a year (Passover, Pentacost, and the Feast of the Tabernacles)

Exodus 23:14 ““Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year:”

Exodus 23:17 ““Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.”

Women were exempt from this law, but could attend if they wished. What makes this important is seeing what Mary chose to do: “both parents went to Jerusalem every year.”

Jesus witnessed the faithfulness of both His parents:

His parents led and taught Him to be faithful in worship;

Joseph and Mary’s “custom of obedience” in worship was handed down and taught to Christ

Jesus was influenced by His parent’s faithfulness...Jesus’ knowledge and ability to discuss issues with religious authorities (which we will discuss later), is evidence of two things:

His parents didn’t just example a life of devout belief, they taught Him the things of God, of worship, of obedience

His parents involved Him in the synagogue, exposing Him to worship and learning at EVERY opportunity

Jesus—who belonged to God—was placed as a “bundle of trust” to Joseph and Mary—so He might be looked after and taught the things of God

It was Joseph and Mary’s responsibility to see Christ grew physically, mentally, and spiritually in the truth and assurances of God and His Word---to see Christ become all He could (and would) become

The special year in the life of Jesus

In turning 13, a Jewish boy would become “a son of the law,” meaning (in Jewish culture) he would be considered a man, expected to honor, follow, and keep the law.

In turning 12, it was suggested (again by Jewish custom/culture) the boy be brought to Passover in order to become familiar with the Temple and the Feasts

During this time, these young boys were given a great deal of attention and instruction

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

Parents are given a mighty and divine responsibility from God—to teach and example the things of God, the message of God, and the life of Christ to their children:

Every aspect of a parent’s life (as professing believers in Christ) is to

Point our children to Jesus

Teach them the Word of God

Teach and example for them, the spiritual disciplines

The disciplines of repentance and confession

The disciplines devotion and quiet times

The discipine of purity

The discipline of prayer

The discipline of obedience

The discipline of true worship

That every aspect of their lives are acts of worship

Be the fragrance of Christ in their lives

2 Corinthians 2:15–17 “For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.”

Note God’s command in Deuteronomy 6:7; “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

At home—be about Jesus and His Word

Away from home—be about Jesus and His Word

From waking to slumber—be about Jesus and His Word

NOTE this: The greatest message we can teach our children is the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ, so that

one day in God’s timing, they might make their faith their own

NOTE MORE: The greatest lessons we can impart on their lives, are the lessons that teach them to walk more like Jesus than the world, so that

over the course of their lives, the live to honor God and pursue God

What are some take-aways: We must recognize, the ministry of the family is drawn out in the home—however, part of godly instruction is to engage our children to, not neglect the meeting of the saints:

As Joseph and Mary involved Jesus in the life of synagogue and the Word which was taught their, so must we

Involved our children in the local church

In keeping our children unfamiliar with the corporate body (the church); if they are never introduced, or find the value in the gathering of believers in corporate worship,

Think of what is missed:

The opportunity to know Christ at an early age

The opportunity to grow in Christ from an early age

The opportunity to develop right relationships and friendships from an early age

Even more, think of the dangers:

How can we expect them to enter the church with confidence and an eagerness to learn about Christ

How can we expect them to desire to go at all when the grow up?

How can we keep them from thinking that faith is only reserved, “for the adults.” (Certainly, children can come to know Christ in the home and often times, we see this, but remember what His Word says):

Romans 10:14 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?”

Romans 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Lastly—and something that ought to serve as the line in the sand is this:

The teaching and environment you allow your children to develop under, serves to create an identity in which they will grow into

Which identity do we wish for our children? One that the world defines or the identity Christ defines?

II. (v.43-45) We must note Jesus’ social development—normal

Luke 2:43–45 “When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.”

(CONTEXT)—As we get into these 3 verses, let’s make sure we all understand a cultural truth sometimes overlooked or misunderstood, “Leaving Jesus was not act of negligence by Jesus’ parents,” as some think: Here’s what we must understand and what we can glean from this passage:

In finishing their worship, Joseph and Mary were returning home, amongst a caravan of other families—and these caravans

Were large, with roads packed with thousands of pilgrims leaving the Feast, with the women and children typically traveling ahead while the men traveled behind

Jesus’, from what we can glean and infer---was sociable and fit right in

It would have been thought Christ was off playing & socializing with other children and families—as was typical with other children—so they felt no concern in Him not being right there with them

These caravans, on particularly long journeys, often had a stopping place, so families could gather and set up camp for the night…and this is when Jesus was noticed to be missing and His parents returned to find Him.

A note on Luke’s recording of, “…the Boy lingered...”

This is not a mention of DISOBEDIENCE on Jesus’ part—note John MacArthur’s commentary regarding this verse: “this lone biblical insight into the youth of Jesus portrays Him as a typical boy in a typical family. His lingering is neither mischievous nor disobedient, it is owing to a simple mistaken presumption on His parent’s part that He was left behind.”

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)—Our application here is two-fold

Our children are to be helped/encouraged, led/directed to play with others—however;

Our children must also be taught how to associate with others…

How to be

Patient & giving

Joyful & loving

Kind & helpful

Peaceful & loyal

Caring & disciplined

How not to be

Braggy & arrogant

Revengeful & jealous

Selfish or easily provoked

III. (v.46-47) We must see the knowledge of Jesus

Luke 2:46–47“Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.”

(CONTEXT)—The stress of these verses is the surprising knowledge of Jesus

Jesus was found, “in the midst of the teachers (the doctors in the KJV)”—these were prominent and capable teachers (Doctors of Religion) of that day, some who may have been present during this time---men like:

Gamaliel—the teacher of Paul (Saul of Tarsus)

Hillel (Matt 19:1-12) a most revered liberal teacher with a large following

Shammai (Matt 19:1-12) a most revered conservative teachers who also had a school of followers

Jonathan—a paraphraser of the sacred books

Simeon—later succeeded Hillel

Nicodemus—so revered by his peers, he was sent to interview Jesus alone

Jesus was found thirsting for knowledge and understanding

He was “hearing”

(GRK) means He listened closely, attentively, and with devoted attention

He was “asking them questions”

(GRK) means He wanted answers, more & deeper understanding. The idea is that He thirsted for truth and sought it out

He was “answering” their questions

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

Where will be found?

Will you be found sitting under the teaching of God’s Word?

Will you be found hearing—attentively listening to God’s Word?

Will you be found inquiring of God--thirsting for more of Him, more knowledge of Him?

Will you be found using every opportunity to learn the truth and grab a hold of it?

How are you working out your salvation with fear and trembling?

John 8:31–32 “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.””

2 Peter 1:5 “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,”

Jeremiah 9:24 “But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.”

Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”

What is your “custom?”

Daniel 6:10 “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”

Ask yourself this, how is it Judas “didn’t have to guess” where he’d find Jesus when he led the arrest party?

John 18:2 “And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.”

Do you desire to be know for your devotion to God or your deviation from God?

IV. (v.48) We must understand His mission

Luke 2:48 “So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.””

(CONTEXT)How do we know Joseph and Mary misunderstand Jesus mission?

Note Mary’s rather stern rebuke: “Son, why have you done this to us?

Remember: Mary knew well the Child she and Joseph were rearing, it wasn’t as if Jesus’ identity was new to her—after all, Gabriel had well informed her of Who she was carrying and Who this Child was

Immanuel—God with us

Savior of man’s sins

So what happened?

In Mary’s disturbance and sorrow—she forgot who He was

Of course she was to teach and direct Jesus, but Jesus was now a young man by law—and He was where He should have been—about His Father’s business

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME) There is a warning/exhortation we can draw from this—too often disturbance and sorrow cause us to forget Who Jesus is and what His business is about

So often we forget/neglect or ignore the business of God—restoration; in (1) being overwhelmed by our circumstances, (2) being weighed down by our own sin, (3) in the burden’s of life’s brokenness—we miss, make assumptions, or become presumptuous about Christ’s true purpose....and in this deceit:

We deal with symptoms, rather than the source

We want quick fixes, rather than foundational change

We listen to the wrong voice, rather than the only voice

We minister to our own needs, rather than allowing Christ to minister to our needs

So often we forget that in our circumstances, God has a purpose for us

First of all—circumstances which encounter us (the trials/temptations, the interruptions, any kind of loss) pass through God’s hands before they ever get to us—they are allowed in other words, for a purpose:

Trials our the believer’s proving grounds—the qualifying/quanitifying experiences which serve—as we depend on His wisdom—to align our faith to Christ and conform our lives to Christ

James 1:2–5 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Practical understanding (God-Me-God-Me-Me)

(God) A God acknowledged problem enters your life (Romans 8:28)

Every problem (no matter what)— “is a call to worship and hear what God has to say.”

Worship then, is obedience and surrender

(Me) I make a deliberate & decisive decision to turn to Jesus for the answer

This can be harder than it looks, yet

This should be a reflex

(God) God reveals His will (two ways)

By speaking to you through the Holy Spirit

Through His Word

Note: We should start here, why? Because the Holy Spirit will never contradict His Word and His Word is inerrant and provides us all we need to engage the problem (Phil 4:19 & Romans 8:32)

(ME) I discern God’s will. How? We abide (Go back and read John 15:1-10 and you will notice the word “abide” referenced 10 times)

John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

We must abide—live in—the fullness of the Holy Spirit

We must develop this looming sense of the Holy Spirit in our lives

(ME) I (we) make a faith decision

If we are saved by faith, if we overcome by faith, if we stand in faith, if faith is our shield, why don’t we make decisions in faith?

God’s will (His plan) is revealed as we divest of ourselves and invest the Holy Spirit into our lives

Now—we know the Holy Spirit abides in believers—but in our pride, we can quench the Holy Spirit by our He can be ignoring/rejecting/pushing aside

How many believers miss moments of conformity and worship b/c they fail to make divest (decrease) themselves and increase (invest) in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit

We must be in aggressive cooperation with the Holy Spirit

Note: It’s hard at times, not to forget. The circumstances/situations we face, are at times very difficult and extremely challenging

Think of how easy it can be for us if Mary—(1) who was told by Gabriel about Jesus, (2) then gets pregnant thru the H/S, (3) then is visited by 3 wise men, (4) had her Son’s own star shining above, (5) witnessed Simeon and Anna worship Him…forgot in this moment

We must be diligent and determined, again, to invest the wisdom and conformity of the Holy Spirit into our lives and this requires self-denial, the need of decreasing ourselves, so that Christ might increase…it means diligently pursuing the right focus:

Romans 12:1–2“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Colossians 3:1–2“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

We must see & recognize God’s overall two-fold will for you (for man)

That you would be known by Him (salvation)

That you would be grown by Him (sanctification)

V. (v.49-50) We must His recognition of His Messiahship (at an early age)

Luke 2:49–50“And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.”

It’s important to note that Jesus’ statement was not insolent to disparaging—His statement was of genuine amazement that they did not know where to look for Him.

(CONTEXT)—Note 3 things related to Jesus’ first claim to be the Son of God

He call God His Father

Jesus, though He gently worded this statement as Joseph was standing there, was clear and definite in referring to God as His Father

Just “when” Christ knew is not known—the important thing to know is Jesus, at the age of 12, was aware of His unique relationship with God—a relationship unlike any other child---He wat THE “unique Son” in that He alone was the only begotten of the Father

Jesus was saying to His mother that His Father (God) had been looking after Him

In “being about His Father’s business,” in line with His Father’s will—He was under the watchful care and watchful eye of God—there was no need for worry from Mary

Jesus was saying that He had work to do for His Father (God)—despite that work not being understood

Jesus could not go home until He had finished His Father’s work. He first had to do what His Father willed

Jesus states this in other parts of the gospels as well

John 5:17 “But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.””

John 9:4 “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.”

John 10:25 “Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me.”

John 17:4 “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

As we imitate Christ and yield ourselves to the conforming work of the Holy Spirit, we must understand an imperative taught by Paul to the church in Galatia:

Galatians 1:10 “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”

As we walk in obedience to His will, we must be faithful despite:

Others and this world misunderstanding what we are doing—how we are living—which happens often

Ecclesiastes 12:1 “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them”:”

Opposition we face—even from our own families (sometimes they are the strongest opposition which confronts our decisions to work for God and seek His will)

Matthew 10:37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

VI. (v.51) We must note His obedience to His parents

Luke 2:51 “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.”

(CONTEXT) While striking—this is also a wonderful picture as Jesus was subject to His parents and obeyed them

As the Son of God—Christ set the perfect example of what a child should be to His parents, He obeyed despite:

Joseph not being His true father

Being stronger spirit

Being filled with wisdom

God being His Father

Note Mary’s response: “but His mother kept all these things in her heart.”

In humble faith Mary said nothing—not to relatives or neighbors

In humble faith Mary didn’t boast/brag in her Son and His uniqueness

In humble faith Mary waited upon God to use Jesus as He willed

VII. (v.52) We must note His growth (in favor with God and man)

Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

(CONTEXT)

Mentally, Jesus was filled with wisdom

He learned from teachers and from personal study—thinking just as all children learned

He learned, however, different from other children, as He learned perfectly, coming short in nothing

Physically, Jesus grew in orderly fashion—just as all other children grow

Spiritually, Jesus was “waxed strong in spirit,” and, “in favor with God,”

He looked to God in perfect obedience—and God nurtured Him in His perfect favor

Socially, Jesus grew in favor with men

He was friendly, loving, caring, helpful, unselfish, pure, honest, and humble

He was welcomed by the other families in His community

(BIBLICAL APPLICATION—YOU and ME)

The word “increased” in the Greek means “advanced” and carries an imperative of “intensely active”

Ask yourself (ask myself)

How many are just resigned to “do enought to get by,” or, “to do the minimum to get by?”

How man are resigned to apathy and laziness, neglecting the physical care their bodies need, when they should (as their health and bodies allow and in considering those with disabilities) be active in taking are of themselves

How many actually buck the crowd and accept the challenge of following Jesus, standing firm in Him, and standing up for Him?

Our “increase” should imitate and example that of Christ’s—in every aspect as His life—in wisdom, how we take care of ourselves, and most vitally, how we are fed spiritually

How many of us need the reminders that Paul gives:

1 Corinthians 3:16–17 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

CLOSING/WORSHIP:

Like it or not, we (you and I) are people longing to “follow.” We live in a culture where there is no short supply of what “to follow.”

We must remember what the Bible teaches us about the world

1 John 2:15–16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

When the Bible says “the things of this world,” what is meant is, “the systems of this world,” The world as we know it now it today is full of sin/evil/wickedness—this is Bible’s definition of the “world”

What gives this verse it’s exhortation is see in the word “love”—in the Greek this word means, “to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, or to love dearly.”

Couple this with the GRK meaning of the word “follow” “to be in the same way with,” or “to accompany”, and we see a Biblical imperative:

What we love—we follow. In the words of Christ Himself, “For where your treasure is, there you heart will be also.”

Why do peope give themselves (why do some of us) give themselves to following things, teachings, beliefs, sins, or idols which only fade away?

We are looking for acceptance, belonging, and to feel “complete.”

The Bible teaches us of a Person we can follow, who will never let us down, never fail us, never break a promise, and never leave us nor forsake us: Jesus Christ

Amidst all the intrigue, question, and lessons we can glean from our text today, we are once again driven to the centrality of the Bible and it’s message: redemption!

“Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business?”

God’s ultimate will is two-fold:

That man would be saved from their sins, that you and I might be known by Him (Salvation)

That man would grow in holiness and in the image of His Son (Sanctification)

This is why He sent His only begotten Son into this world, so that sinful people (like me and you) might now the joy of salvation and the joy in sanctification.

What’s required of you and me? Again see Luke 9:23–24“Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”

.