The Life & Work of Christ: His Development

Today we will begin a thorough study on the life and work of Jesus the Christ. Why is this study important for this year’s theme? It is important because we as servants, subjects, and followers of Christ cannot operate as his body without a thorough knowledge of his life and work. We will not at this time place a high focus on all of the great events surrounding his birth. However we will reference some things as necessary that are pertinent to this study. Where we will begin is the period of time leading up to his ministry. It is known as the period of preparation. That being the time GOD purposed to prepare for Jesus’ grand ministry on earth.

The Providence

Although I won’t spend much time on his birth, it is important to mention that he, Joseph, and Mary did have some trials due to the political arena of the time. Indeed, the angel Gabriel appeared testifying of his Holy Spirit birth, shepherds arrive to witness the savior that the angel spoke of, the Magi (who were Persian scholars) arrive to give gifts, and Simeon and Anna speak well of him. But when Herod the Great, who was the king of the Jews (established by Roman emperor Caesar), heard of a newborn king and after the Magi didn’t return to tell him where he was, through his rage and paranoia he had all little boys 2 years and younger in Bethlehem killed (Matt 2). But through the goodness and providence of GOD, he had Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt for asylum! When they hear of his death, they at first plan to return to Bethlehem but hear that Herod’s son Archaleus is now ruling Judea (where Bethlehem was), they return to Nazareth instead. But because of their devotion to GOD over man, they still go to Jerusalem (which was in Judea) annually for the Passover feast as was commanded by GOD through Moses!

Application: Someone might ask “why would GOD choose such a political time to bring his son into the world?” For after all, we would rather have times of peace from rulers, kings, and presidents. But even when they are not, that doesn’t stop GOD’s plan and purpose for our lives and ministry. It is highly commendable that Joseph and Mary, despite their awareness of the tyrant nature of rulers, would still do what GOD commands. See, our current political drama doesn’t at all mean that we should ever cease to do what GOD has called us to do. GOD could have us here to prove and prepare us for something greater than this!

The Purpose

Luke then records a period of Jesus life that no other writer records. It is the period between his birth and baptism, his childhood and young adulthood. This most surely he gathers from Mary and/or those who were close with her. It is when Jesus was 12 that they went up to Jerusalem to the Passover feast and spend the required days there. They pack up with all of their family and friends and begin traveling back to Nazareth. It wasn’t until they had gone one full days’ journey (roughly 20-25 miles) that they realized that Jesus wasn’t with them. They assumed that he was in the caravan of travelers, but they were wrong. They took another day to go all the way back to Jerusalem, and on the third day they find Jesus sitting in the temple discussing scriptural matters with the teachers! Imagine the panic and frustration of Mary and Joseph!

Application note: We have to be careful what we assume! Especially as parents concerning our children. We need to be involved enough in our children’s lives that we don’t assume anything. This isn’t to suggest no involvement on Joseph and Mary’s part, but shows a great danger in assuming information.

Jesus is 12 years old and has been missing (in his parents mind) for 3 days. This is no small matter for Mary, and can be understood by her statement to Jesus. It is true that boys at 12 would customarily spend time at the feet of teachers in Jerusalem. But this was never discussed or agreed to by Joseph and Mary. Yes, Mary kept in mind all the things that the angel and others spoke at his birth. But she gave birth to him as a human. In her mind “I am your mother!!!” “Why would you put me and your father through all of this pain and frustration of looking for you for 3 days!!!” Jesus’ response to her is mind-blowing and gives an early indication of his spirituality and purpose for existing on earth: “Why were you looking all around for me? Did you not know that it is necessary for me to be in the house of My Father?” These are the first words on record of Jesus! Yes Jesus in the flesh was 12 years old, but this shows that he had a keen understanding of his true nature. Mary was his human mother. She mentions Joseph as his father, but Joseph was his legal father (through law of marriage). But GOD was his Father spiritually and ultimately, Jesus makes that clear in response to his earthly mother.

Application: (Example of Kye getting lost at Chiefs stadium) When it comes to looking for Jesus, we know where to look. It is in his Heavenly Father’s presence. This serves as a great example for children and adults alike. It is important to know and have the greatest possible relationship with our earthly parents, but it is most important to have the greatest relationship with the GOD of heaven!

The Progress

These things created much of a “what in the world” mindset for Mary. She couldn’t grasp all the extraordinary things regarding this son she gave birth to. Although Jesus expresses very early on his relation to GOD and gives revelatory glimses to his mother of who she really gave birth to, he also understood that to honor his earthly parents meant honor to his heavenly Father. Then this period of Jesus’ life ends with a very striking and relatable statement about him throughout the rest of his childhood and young adulthood. It is the fact that he grew and developed! Grow here means to increase, advance, and progress. And there are 4 key areas that Luke mentions about his growth that I believe are critical for a life of work and ministry.

Intellectually: This describes the wisdom and insight he learned from teaching as well as was given by his Father. This is most striking if we only consider his divine nature. But in the context of his humanity, he exemplifies the importance of growing in knowledge and wisdom. If Jesus, who was GOD on earth, went through growth of intellect, then surely you and I must seek to increase our wisdom through learning from GOD. How else can we live and minister to this generation if we don’t have the insight to do so? (, )

Physically: This describes Jesus increasing in age and physicality. It alludes to health and activity that produced physical growth in Jesus’ life. It is imperative that as we grow older that we live healthily and engage in activity that produces physical growth. In their culture, walking was the primary mode of travel. Walking for miles wasn’t uncommon at all. Physical health is vital for ministry and therefore should not be neglected. Indeed, there is aging and circumstances of the body that will hinder us. But while we still have bodily strength, we should do all we can to take good care of this bodily temple which houses our souls.

Spiritually: In favor with GOD describes how in his humanity, he grew in good pleasure with the Father. The root word here is the source of the word grace. But Luke is not speaking of salvation grace or favor, but rather the blessed relationship with GOD. It is important to understand that if one has favor from GOD, it exists regardless of the difficulties in life. It is a favor that can be tangibly seen, but having favor with GOD is not solely dependent on what’s challenging in my life. Rather, it is a certainty that GOD is with you and for you no matter what occurs. It is not solely seeking all that GOD can do for you, but seeking GOD himself! How do we grow in this? says “draw near to GOD, and he will draw near to you”. And we must draw near to GOD by Faith. For without it, it is impossible to please him. And we can’t do anything according to GOD’s purpose outside of his favor or delight in us!

Socially: In favor with man or people describes how Jesus and people got along. It is interesting that in his development as a man, he learned how to get along with people in ways that drew people to him. This doesn’t involve an attitude of repulsion or disgust toward people because of superiority. Jesus wasn’t seeking to be a people pleaser, nor was he liked by everybody. But the development of his character was one that many people were drawn to. And there’s no way we can minister to or serve people if we can’t stand people. We must grown in our character and ability to connect with people where they are, culturally, socioeconomically, experientially, etc.

Considering this growth of Jesus, what growth is necessary in our lives to reflect his? Are we continually seeking knowledge of wisdom? Are we treating our bodies in a healthy manner as we naturally grow older? Are we seeking the face of GOD every dayof our lives? Are we learning more and more how to connect with all people, and not only those who are like us? If we grow in these things, it will greatly prepare us for more effective ministry and great works.