Quest 5
Between his infancy and age 30, the Bible only has one story of Jesus as a child, at age 12.
Before this story (Luke 12:40) - And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
After this story (Luke 12:52): And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Understanding the context of the story –
At age 12, a Jewish boy became a “Son of the Law,” a step into manhood.
It was the first time a Jewish boy could go from the Court of Women into the Hall of Israel in the Temple.
During the week of Passover, the Sanhedrin (Jewish Supreme Court) and Jewish scholars held open discussions in the Temple for everyone to hear. Verse 46 - After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
When the caravan left to head back to Galilee and Nazareth, the women left first and a little later the men left. So Mary thought Jesus was with Joseph, and Joseph thought Jesus was with Mary. Verses 43-45 - And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
Mary and Joseph backtracked everywhere they had been and found Jesus in the Temple. They were amazed because Jesus hadn’t gotten his wisdom from them. Verses 47-48 - And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS STORY?
1. TAKE TIME TO BE FILLED.
Why not begin his ministry at age 12? Why wait 18 more years?
Remember, before this Jesus was filled with wisdom and after this Jesus increased in wisdom. This happened over time.
Jesus was the same person at 12 as he was at 30 (verse 49) – “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” He was devoted to God’s business.
In answering the question, “Did Jesus know he was God when he was a boy?” notice what Mary said in verse 48 - Your father and I have been searching for you. Now look at Jesus’ response (verse 49) - I must be in my Father’s house. Jesus had discovered his unique relationship with God. Again, this happened over time.
It takes time to be filled with wisdom. How much time are you devoting to this?
2. SUBMIT TO BE FILLED.
Jesus submitted to God’s authorities (Luke 2:51) - And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.
To be filled, you must submit to God’s authority.
Family authority (Ephesians 6:2-3) - “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
Civil authority (1 Peter 2:13-14) - Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
Church authority (Hebrews 13:17) - Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.
3. STAY HUMBLE AS YOU ARE FILLED.
Jesus never looked down on his earthly parents (Luke 2:50) - And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
Jesus was not puffed up or arrogant (Luke 2:52) - And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Those who are humble reach their full God-potential.
Quest 5 Sermon from January 30th, 2022
