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This study was done for our dear friends, the Schmitz family. God's Words are in Red, and my words are in Blue. It is Just for Fun - Luke 2:41 - 52. The Boy Jesus at the Temple Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. (Can you imagine… every year, going to the "big City"!! Would you be bored, or excited for the trip??) When he was twelve years old, (This was the year BEFORE the age of accountably or responsibility for a young man… good thing.) they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. (This feast was the Passover, the feast for which Jesus Christ was born so He would die as the Passover Lamb for you and for me!!!) After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, (Isn't it just like busy and trusting parents to run off with the other siblings and cousins… leaving their cherished son …) the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, (WHY did He do this?? Why would you do this? To see the sights? To stay away from boring Nazareth? To try to get some good eats that are not usual in Ohio? Or for a passion for your Heavenly Father?) but they were unaware of it. (… Off to Nazareth the carpenter's family goes…) Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. ( OOPS!! It's nightfall, and they are doing the regular head count, "Joseph, count again, are we really missing one?? Which one? Where is Jesus??!? Panic!! Help, the One that God entrusted us with…. Where is He?" … Sooo, don't be too harsh on your parents when this sort of thing arises… ) Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. (Timeframe: One day without Jesus, one day travelling back to Jerusalem, and one day looking in Jerusalem, means three days without Jesus. Let us never be that long without the Son of God!!) After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Is this where you'd be? Would you be engrossed in the Bible? Challenging the elders with the Truth of God's Word? We all hope so, because then we will all be better for it and richer in our hearts. Can you, personally, start doing that every night at home?? Challenge your parents and siblings by discussing the Truth of Life for growth, maturity and God's Love, Mercy and Grace to permeate.) Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. (Who was "everyone"? They were the priests, the Levites, the students, the Pharisees, Sadusees, every person who heard the boy Jesus. Why were they amazed? Because Jesus had UNDERstanding. Yes, he was standing under the law, and knew what it said. Jesus had wisdom. He knew how it worked out in practical life experience. Was it because Jesus was the Incarnate Word of God? Was it because He was the Truth and the Light? Or was it because He was fully man Who had an insatiable desire for His Father and knew that to read of His Father would be the best for the closest relationship with His Dad. (<I pick this one!) - How about you? How close are you to the Lord of Hosts? Do you want to get closer? I do!! So read about Him and discuss Him going in and out, and then You will "see" Him in your midst!!! And you'll be commented about for your great understanding and wisdom --- for since you are God's born again child, you Do have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the Teacher!! ) When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." (Typical!! Blame the kid!!….) "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. (Unusual, kudtzpah! Answered with a question back!! ) "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" (Jesus knows Who He is. He knows His identity and to Whom He belongs. Do you?? To whom do you have the greatest allegiance to? Your earthly relatives, friends, things, or to the Lord God Himself?? Do you know who God says you are?? Read about yourself in His Word!! --- You'll be humbled and exalted at the same time! Loved and blessed to do for others, the same as God treats you!!! Take Courage in your Heart!! Jesus, the Word of God Loves you SOOOOOOOOooooooooo Much!!! ) But they did not understand what he was saying to them. (Just like some parents,…. "they just don't understand me!" But God the Father DID understand, and He wrote it down in His Book for validation!! And God knows, cares and loves all of you!! Hold and treasure His Word in your heart, as Jesus did at age 12!!) Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Happy ending!!! Go do the same, too!) With Love, Crystal |
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Copyright © 2004 Billboards for Christ, Inc. P.O. Box 27, Chester, Maryland, USA 21619-0027 All Bible verses are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright© 1973,1978,1984 by International Bible Society®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Last modified: December 14, 2004 |
