Eight days to twelve years
Notes
Transcript
Eight days to twelve years
Eight days to twelve years
As I look back over the the last 26 years here in Cottage Grove and 20 years in Medford, and further back to my teen years in New England, time seemed to go so slow as I was experiencing it but “just like that” it’s been 52 years since I was 15 and I wanted to work my first job as a gas attendant when gas was 39 cents per gallon. 16 was the required age and it seemed like I would never get there. But looking back today my life has gone by so fast. We often we ask “where did it go?” - James answered “Life is a vapor” But Solomon said “eternity is in our hearts”. We were created to live forever! When it comes to Jesus, we have very little information on His youth.
Edgar Cayce, a founding figure of the New Age movement predicted the crash of 29’ but also predicted Jesus would return in 1998, and he claimed Yeshua traveled to India to study with Far Eastern masters during his youth. Everyone has a theory!
We also have the gospel of Thomas that includes tales of miracles supposedly performed by the young Jesus, who had to learn to control and use his abilities for good. Yet it was rejected as legitimate having Gnostic overtones being written in the 2nd century.
What we do know about Yeshua's family in scripture is that they were Torah-observant, following Jewish customs and laws, such as circumcision, attending festivals, and making pilgrimages to Jerusalem.
It’s likely Yeshua lived a typical life as the son of a Jewish carpenter and stonemason in the tiny village of Nazareth
and doing much of his business in Sepphoris .
Back then, life was very slow and quiet. Luke, the author, who was writing this gospel for Theophilus wanted to focus on the special events that hinted to our Lord’s purpose on earth and his ministry that actually began at age 30.
Yet eight days after the sky was filled with excited angels delighting the shepherds to find the babe of Bethlehem, so Luke focuses on three special events from Christ’s youth not mentioned in the other gospels.
His circumcision, Simeon and Anna, and Jesus at the age of 12.
1] His circumcision
verse 21
And when eight days were fulfilled so that they could circumcise Him, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
For Jews, circumcision became a crucial marker of religious and national identity. Why? It was a covenant God made with Abraham who would later bring forth the people of Israel through his grandson Jacob.
“This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your seed after you: every male among you shall be circumcised. “And you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. “And every male among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised throughout your generations...
But for the church, circumcision takes on a more spiritual meaning. While the actual rite became an option for Christians, spiritual circumcision was inward purity and consecration.
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation! Gal 6:15
Verse 22- 24
And when the days for their cleansing according to the Law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD”), Exodus 13 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, “A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.” Leviticus 5:11
Note this offering of doves or pigeons indicate Joseph and Mary were poor. It was a sin offering for the mother which symbolized her ceremonial uncleanness after childbirth. Luke probably got all this information from Mary herself.
During the second temple period, circumcision ceremonies took place at the Temple in Jerusalem, purification rituals were conducted as well. Archaeologists have discovered over 850 ritual baths around the Temple mount just outside the gates.
So all were required to immerse into water before going into the temple in order to avoid spreading diseases and be ritually purified! . This explains how they were able to baptize 3000 on the day of Pentecost].
But on this day, there were two people who dedicated their lives to praying for Israel and waiting for the promised Messiah.
2] Simeon - Verse 25-35
And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the comfort of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms and blessed God, and said,
“Now Master, You are releasing Your slave in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You prepared in the presence of all peoples, A LIGHT FOR REVELATION TO THE GENTILES, [Is 49:6 - a hint to the future church] And for the glory of Your people Israel.” And His father and mother were marveling at the things which were being said about Him. And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— and a sword will pierce through your own soul as well—that the thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Simeon means “hearing” after realizing he was holding the promised Messiah, he knew his days were numbered and prophecies about the Christ and the heart wrenching future for Miriam who would not only lose her husband through death and be a widow be then to watch her son suffer and be crucified on the cross, in just under 20 years.
3] Anna Verses 36-38
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Anna probably spent 60+ years at the temple if she married at 14. Anna is derived from the Hebrew name of Hannah and means “grace or favor” So her name reminds us of God’s grace. And think of it, she spent most of her life in fasting, worship and in prayer for this very day! Her faithfulness was rewarded when she was able to see the infant Jesus brought to the temple and recognize him as the Messiah.
What a confirmation for both Joseph and Miriam by these two unknown spiritually sensitive believers. It must have been a surreal moment for both of them to know that God was hearing and offering His grace through Simeon and Anna! They were going to need it.
Verse 39-40
And when they had finished everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. Now the Child continued to grow and become strong, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
As a human, history suggests Yeshua had normal physical growth, similar to other children, but with a unique aspect in terms of His wisdom. No doubt, like many prodigies we witness today who have astounding musical or scientific skills, God’s Son had a unique understanding of His mission on earth at a young age. Which explains this last portion as we fast forward 12 years!
verses 41-42
And His parents would go to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;
The feast was ironically Passover. I wonder as Yeshua was pondering the Exodus story each time, its reminded Him of what was coming.
Amazingly, age 12 was the age for becoming a son in-law. He was one year shy of a Jewish boy's transition to religious adulthood and the Bar Mitzvah ceremony wouldn’t originate until the 14th century. Yeshua was certainly ahead intellectually of other boys his age but still grew in His learning. Having a deep sense of who He was.
And we can’t forget that John, his cousin, Uncle Zechariah, Aunt Elizabeth if still alive probably travel with Yeshua’s family each year during Passover since they were related! Plus, Yeshua had a least three brothers and two sisters!
From Nazareth to Jerusalem is about 97 miles. Average travel distance for Caravans was about 23 miles a day or a four day journey. Each day before sundown they would stop at hostels or dormitory style lodges to eat and rest for the evening. Women and young children were usually travelling at the front and men and older boys at the rear. But returning home from Jerusalem, such an arrangement could lead to confusion about a child's whereabouts, since Yeshua and John were 12, either parent assumed they were with relatives in the other caravan.
Verses 43-44
and as they were returning, after finishing the days of the Feast, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents did not know. But supposing Him to be in the caravan, they went a day’s journey, and they began searching for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. Verses 45
When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem searching for Him. And it happened 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 astounded at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, “Child, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.” Verses 49
And He said to them, “Why is it that you were searching for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand the statement which He had spoken to them.
It’s almost like Jesus was saying “I am home, mom, don’t you understand I had to be in My Father’s house?”. I’m sure he was smiling when he said it. It’s interesting to think He said this on the third day! It marks Jesus' first recorded words but Joseph and Mary were perplexed and it took time to perceive. But so often, it takes time for us to understand what Yeshua is saying to us as we read His word. I’m sure the extra time got Mary & Joseph thinking about it as they traveled back. Time was flying!
Verses 50-52
And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them, and His mother was treasuring all these things in her heart. And Jesus was advancing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
And this is all the information we have regarding his youth. For the next 18 years He would be subject to his family giving honor due a parent! And no doubt, Joseph knew Yeshua was greater than he was, yet Yeshua chose to be subject to his step father. He would also have brothers and sisters to watch over and somewhere within this time frame, Joseph is gone before His ministry begins. I’m sure Miriam and Yeshua became very close when Joseph died. She also knew the day her soul would be pierced was coming but didn’t really know how just yet.
And we can see in this a nice snapshot given by Luke some important events that happened in Christ’s early life. But it’s not until the age of 30 when everything falls into place as his cousin John is also preparing for his mission to prepare the way of the Lord!
And guys, the message is the same for us. Our lives are so very important, and the Lord will bring people our way to encourage us on our mission in life to affirm our purpose!
And I want thank God for all of you who have supported me all these years. The Simeon’s that heard and the Annas who offered grace! I treasure the memories, all the amazing volunteers and leaders through the years, the weddings, the trips to Israel, the memorials, the parades, the worship teams, watching this next generation grow up and now grandkids, all the church moves we’ve had from the Old Community college building, the Baptist church, the library, the remodels at 522 Whitaker to now here since 2015. The missionaries we have faithfully supported and the churches we have founded. Abundantly above all I could ask our think!! To mainly teach a people who want God’s word not fluff, or attention who pray for me and support this ministry. The time is flying and yet there’s so much we can’t comprehend! Each of us are called to fulfill something. No, we are not going to die for the sins of the world but because Jesus fulfilled His mission, we can be called “sons of God”, through faith in Him, we are “sons of the resurrection”. Conformed to the image of His Son! For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God and all of creation eagerly waits for our revealing!! And time is ticking and sometimes it drags on - other times we wonder where all the time went! So what do we do in the meantime? While many of us got saved beyond the age of 12, the principal remains the same.
Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and choosing or election sure; or valid for in doing these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
I pray our devotion and mission will remain effectual as we focus on the eternal entrance more than the temporal because life is a vapor!!
Let us celebrate our independence in Christ at the table!!
