Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 August 8, 2010 Rev. David B. Hanson Overland Park, Kansas

 Luke 2:41-52  Jesus was left behind at the temple when he was 12 years old.  Philippians 2:7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

 Luke 2:40  And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.  Jesus grew physically and spiritually.  Jesus became strong in spirit.  Jesus was filled with wisdom.  Jesus was blessed with the grace of God.

 Luke 2:41-42  41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.  42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.  The Jews were commanded by the Old Testament to attend three festivals a year (Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles).  Exodus 23:14-17; 34:22-23  Deuteronomy 16:16

 Luke 2:43-45  43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.  44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.  45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

 The journey from Jerusalem to Nazareth was about 80 miles long.  It took 3 or more days to complete this journey.  Jesus’ parents thought that Jesus went with them because there was a caravan on the journey.

 Luke 2:46-47  46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

 Jesus was twelve years old so he was still a boy before he became a Bar Mitzvah when he was thirteen years old.  A Bar Mitzvah was responsible for his decisions as men were.  Jesus listened the rabbinical teachings and asking the questions and answered them.  The scholars were surprised that Jesus understood the laws in the Old Testament.

 Luke 2:48  48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.  49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?  50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

 Jesus’ parents were amazed to see Him at the temple.  Jesus’ mother showed her anxiety.  Jesus replied that He had His Father’s business at the temple.  Jesus’ parents did not understand what Jesus meant.

 Luke 2:51  51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.  Jesus obeyed his parents.

 Jesus’ mother remembered five things:  Gabriel's announcement  Elizabeth's and Zechariah's prophecies  The shepherds' story of an angelic declaration of his birth  Simeon's and Anna's words and blessing in the temple  Jesus’ Words in the temple when Jesus was twelve

 Luke 2:52  52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.  Jesus increased in wisdom (spiritual insight).  Jesus grew physically and spiritually. Jesus was blessed with God’s favor (grace) and man’s favor.

 The Christians take time to grow in wisdom and spiritual knowledge and spiritual maturity.  The Christians learn to perform our responsibilities to God and to man.  The Christians learn to submit to people who have authority.  The Christians need God’s grace for their spiritual growth.