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Sunday School Lesson Luke 2:41-52 Scripturally, there are only two brief glimpses into the early childhood of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the son of God. The very early years follow the trip that Joseph and Mary made to the city of Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. Luke 2:22b. We are told that when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee to their own city Nazareth. Luke 2:39. Luke (Luke 1:1-4) told his first reader - Theophilus - as well as us that "the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 2:40. There have been questionable writings concerning the childhood years of the son of God. These accounts do not in any way point the lost human race to the redemption that his sacrificial death would bring about the forgiveness of sins. Those who see these writings as some kind of divine insight look only for the spectacular, and care nothing of the divine plan of salvation, nor the purpose of this one's life. The divine record gives us very little information concerning the man whose responsibility it was to direct the growth and earthly development of the son of God. However, we know that he is described as just. Matthew 1:19a. He was, also, thoughtful concerning Mary, and her reputation. Matthew 1:19b. Luke tells us that there was a family tradition of going to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. Luke 2:41. It is not clear in the record whether or not Jesus and the other children (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) made this journey every year. The Jewish teachers considered the male child during the first 12 years of life to be a child of the covenant due to circumcision. At age 13, each male child was expected to become a son of the law or son of the commandments. This ritual is now known as bar mitzvah. "And when he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast." Luke 2:42. The activities at this time of the year were prescribed in the Old Testament law. The sacrifices were to be brought to the priests, and atonement was made for the individuals and the nation. The Feast of the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were closely associated in time and significance. These feasts concluded at the end of seven days. Since travel in those days was usually restricted to walking, the group that made the approximately 75 mile trip from Nazareth to Jerusalem went in a group or caravan for social reasons, as well as for safety. "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." Luke 2:43. This fact does not place Joseph nor Mary in any kind of negative light. The group travel that was common would lend itself to the expectation that all members of the group would leave at the same time. Only when the group stopped for meals or rest might the head count be made. "But they supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance." Luke 2:44. We are told that "when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him." Luke 2:45. One can only imagine the thoughts and frustrations that must have tormented the minds of Joseph and Mary, as they made their way back to the city. These individuals knew the divine responsibility that had been placed on them. Thoughts of inadequacy might have surfaced, wondering whether or not they were worthy of the honor and responsibility that had been assigned to them. The search was thorough. "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." Luke 2:46. Luke tells us of the attitude of those spiritual leaders as they had their question-and-answer session. These sessions were common in the temple area. However, we are told that "all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers." Luke 2:47. The teachers in the temple used some of the rooms that were part of the building as their places of discussion. Joseph and Mary must have made many inquiries before they found the place where Jesus was part of the discussion. One can imagine them standing at the door of the room - not interrupting the discussions - and hearing the questions and the answers. We are told that "when they saw him, they were amazed…" Luke 2:48a. Finally, the mother spoke, "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us." Luke 2:48b. There might have been a bit of mother scolding in the voice of Mary as she spoke from her heart of love and concern - "behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing." Luke 2:48c. The response given by Jesus was not one of arrogance nor disrespect. "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my father's business?" Luke 2:49. Joseph and Mary were quite human. There is not indication that either of them had supernatural insight into all of the divine design that had been their assignment. Luke tells us that "they understood not the saying which he spake unto them." Luke 2:50. There seemed to have been no great difficulty exhibited in the temple that day. Luke records that "he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." Luke 2:51. Over the next 18 years, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52. During this time Jesus learned the carpenter's trade. Mark 6:3a. Since Joseph is not mentioned in scripture after this event, it is supposed that he might have died, since Jesus commended Mary to John, when he was on the cross. John 19:26, 27.
How faithful are we, as our lives carry out our father's business? Have you been obedient in the divine assignment that has been given? Acts 1:8. What is your obedience quotient? May we pledge ourselves to be faithful to the one who died for our sins. Romans 5:8.
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