Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on July 7, 2020

Luke 2:39-52

As we read scripture, it is often difficult for mere mortals to wrap our minds around the fact of eternity. We, as humans, are locked into the system known as time interval between two events. For the Son of God to leave the splendors of heaven, and dwell among fallen mankind, can boggle our sinful minds.

Most people in our society are familiar with the Christmas Story. Luke 2:1-7. The unfolding of this beautiful event is celebrated each year. The divine record tells of the puppet king attempting to destroy the Son of God. Matthew 2:13, 14. After the return of this family from Egypt, the Record is silent regarding events of the next few years of the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

Jewish history and tradition give us some hints regarding the early years of the life of the Son of God. The usual expectation was for the male children to attend school in the local synagogue. The major content of this education was focused on the Law of Moses.

The Gospel of Luke written to the Greeks summarized these first years. And the child grew, and waxed strong (i.e., increased in vigor) in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:40.

During these silent years, the family did not slack in the religious education of the household. This account is quite clear Now his [Jesus] parents went to Jerusalem [from Nazareth] every year at the feast of the passover. Luke 2:41.

To the casual observer, this particular journey would have held no great significance. However, this specific year was important for the Son and the family. The tradition at that time and it continues to this day is the celebration of bar mitzvah for the son reaching the age of twelve or thirteen. (Webster). This celebration indicates this young one to be a son of the Law. However, the is no indication in scripture that this ceremony was part of this event in the life of Jesus.

The celebration of the Passover was important to the family and the nation. This feast included the great Day of Atonement. At this time a lamb would be offered for the sins of the whole nation, and national sins were confessed by the high priest. Later, John the Baptist would introduce Jesus of Nazareth as the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1:29.

When the group of pilgrims left Jerusalem following the feast, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem: and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. Luke 2:43b. This fact was not an example of parental neglect. At the age of 12, Jesus was considered old enough for personal responsibilities. Luke points out this fact in his record But they supposing him have been in the company, went a days journey. Luke 2:44a. When the caravan stopped for the night, they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. Luke 2:44b.

One can only imagine the distress that Joseph and Mary experienced as they made their frantic search. From the context, it seems that they did not delay in their return trip And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. Luke 2:45.

There must have been a frantic search in the city. We are told, And it came to pass, that after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors (teachers), both hearing them, and asking them questions. Luke 2:46. One can only imagine how this session began. We can speculate that this Young One must have begun to ask questions regarding the matters of the Law. These wise ones might have been required to re-think some of the lessons that had been taught. The applications that had, once, glibly tripped from their lips might not have seemed so simple in the light of the questions that they met at this time.

The sessions that unfolded in the temple at that time included both hearing and asking questions. As we consider teaching sessions in our day, what is the common format? Are we willing to accept questions regarding the doctrines and principles that we teach? The Apostle Peter instructed believers that we should be ready always to give an answer to every man (one) that asketh you a reason (as one with authority) of (concerning) the hope that is in you with meekness (controlled strength) and fear (reverence). 1 Peter 3:15. This admonition leaves no room for one to show any kind of great spiritual superiority. We must all learn from the same Source. See Matthew 11:29.

Those who heard the discussions in the temple that day were astonished (amazed; astounded) at his [Jesus] understanding and answers. Luke 2:46. The observers knew the age of this One who was holding these hearers spellbound.

The parents did not expect to witness the scene, as it unfolded And when they saw him, they were amazed. Luke 2:48a. Finally, his mother said unto him, Son why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father [in the foster sense] and I have sought thee sorrowing (grieving). Luke 2:48b, c.

The answer given did not come from arrogance nor rebellion. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist (know) ye not that I must be about my Fathers business [implied affairs]? Luke 2:49. These are the first recorded words of Jesus. His last words on the cross were It is finished. John 19:30.

The importance of these words of the 12-year-old did not register with His earthly parents. Luke recorded that they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. Luke 2:50.

As Luke continued his record, he wrote, And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject (Note: a military term, to rank under) unto them: but his mother kept all these saying in her heart. Luke 2:51. The next eighteen years are summarized, And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52. During this time, Jesus learned the trade of a carpenter. Later, this fact astonished His critics, but did not change His divine mission.

Are we faithful the mission that is our assignment? Whatever our position in life, we are all called to be witnesses for our Lord. Acts 1:8.

Rev. James C. Temples Sunday School Lesson has appeared in the Early County News each week since 1967. A native of Early County, Rev. Temples taught in public schools 32 years and 10 years at Southeastern College of Assemblies of God, in Lakeland, Fla. He also served as pastor and evangelist during those years. He can be contacted at P. O. Box 1484, Swainsboro, GA 30401; 478-299-2068. Email: temples_james@yahoo.com

Continued here:

The boy Jesus in the synagogue - Early County News

Category: Synagogue
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