LUKE 2:39-52:
“And when His parents had completed everything in accordance with the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
Now the Child continued to grow and to become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days required, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware of it. Instead, they thought that He was somewhere in the caravan, and they went a day’s journey; and then they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. 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. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!”
And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” And yet they on their part did not understand the statement which He had made to them.
And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued to be subject to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.”
WHAT INSIGHTS DO WE GAIN ABOUT JESUS?
- Jesus grew up physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
- Jesus grew into His understanding of Who He was
- Jesus grew by going through the struggles of the human experience; obedience and temptation
“But even though he was a wonderful Son, he learned to listen and obey through all his sufferings. And after being proven perfect in this way he has now become the source of eternal salvation to all those who listen to him and obey. For God has designated him as the King-Priest who is over the priestly order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:8-10 TPT
- Jesus grew in wisdom
“The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples, so that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.” Isaiah 50:4 NASB
- Wisdom is knowledge with understanding
- Wisdom is seeing life from God’s perspective
- Wisdom is seen in actions (Matthew 11:18-19)
WHAT INSIGHTS DO WE GAIN ABOUT OURSELVES?
- If Jesus pursued maturity, so should we
- If Jesus pursued wisdom, so should we
- If Jesus learned obedience through suffering and struggles, so will we
- We have a Savior Who empathizes with us because He understands the human struggle and has real power to help us
“He suffered and endured every test and temptation, so that he can help us every time we pass through the ordeals of life.” Hebrews 2:18 TPT
“He understands humanity, for as a Man, our magnificent King-Priest was tempted in every way just as we are, and conquered sin. So now we come freely and boldly to where love is enthroned, to receive mercy’s kiss and discover the grace we urgently need to strengthen us in our time of weakness.” Hebrews 4:15-16 TPT