1. Valid Expectations For the Young and the Young in Faith

2. Recognizing the Reality of the Incarnation “the days were completed for her to give birth” This Child developed in the womb as any other child would develop “she gave birth...and she wrapped Him in cloths” These details demonstrate the reality of a Mother caring an infant susceptible to the frailties of any infant

3. Recognizing the Reality of the Incarnation “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same” “flesh and blood”? vs. 9 - the inevitability of death vs. 10 - the reality of suffering vs. 18 - the incessancy of temptation

4. Recognizing the Reality of the Incarnation The Gospels show us the reality of the incarnation in a very practical way Matt 4:2 - 40 days of fasting left Him hungry Mk 4:38 - after a day of teaching the multitudes He was tired Jn 11:35 - having seen the suffering of a dear friend He wept Matt 14:23 - He prayed in moments of difficulty and temptation Matt 26:38 - He was “grieved and distressed” Lk 2:40,52 - as a child He “grew” and “increased” in strength and wisdom

5. Sanctifying the Child Circumcision Commanded under the Law of Moses as a “sign of the covenant” Carried out at specific times when deep spiritual focus was required Gen 17 - The rejection of Ishmael and promise of Isaac Ex 4:24-26 - Moses’ son as he was traveling to stand before Pharoah Joshua 5 - As Israel prepared to conquer Canaan Such action demonstrates a deep trust in the the purpose and power of God

6. Sanctifying the Child Presentation at the Temple A lamb was to be offered, the poor were allowed to offer two turtle-doves Done in recognition of the fact that God considered the child as “holy” Performed by faithful godly parents

7. Sanctifying the Child The Feast of the Passover Every Jewish man was required to journey to the Temple for three feasts a year (Ex 23:14-17; Dt 16:16) These feasts reminded the people that they owed their bounty to God Thirteen was the traditional age that one began to participate in these feasts By taking Jesus to this feast Joseph and Mary were ensuring that He was reminded of His role in submission to the Father

8. Sanctifying the Child 4 We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, Psalm 78:4–7 (NASB95) ✓ Instill a passion for the supremacy of God ✓ To be a fixed deposit of God’s truth ✓ Teach the Word of God The Ideal Standard

9. Sanctifying the Child 4 We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, Psalm 78:4–7 (NASB95) ✓ Learn and know the testimony and teaching of God ✓ To deepen and broaden confidence in God The Ideal Standard

10. Sanctifying the Child 4 We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, Psalm 78:4–7 (NASB95) ✓ To produce a life of obedience ✓ To teach the responsibility of the individual receiving and applying the principles of scripture The Ideal Standard

11. Sanctifying the Child 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 (NASB95) ✓ My life is not my own ✓ Our focus must constantly be on the sacrifice of Jesus ✓ I must strive everyday to serve rather than be served Set Apart for Service

12. The Child “grew” and “grew” 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 (NASB95) ✓ The growth and increase of wisdom was noted before the Child was 12 ✓ “grow” - “...to increase...” (Strong’s) ✓ “increase” - “to make full, to fill up... to cause to abound” (Strong’s) Dispelling the Myths of Youth

13. The Child “grew” and “grew” 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. Luke 2:46–47 (NASB95) ✓ He sought out teachers and sat in their midst ✓ He participated - listening and asking questions ✓ He chose to be in the place He needed to be Dispelling the Myths of Youth