Big Idea: Jesus grew in the strength and wisdom of the lord because he was enthralled with God’s ways and he was fully engaged in the process.
Two ways Jesus grew in the strength and wisdom of God;
Jesus was __________________ with the Ways of God.
Luke 2:49 (ESV) — 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
[Mary and Joseph] followed their custom on the occasion when Jesus was twelve years old. It was at thirteen years of age that a Jewish boy could become a ‘son of the commandment’ or full member of the synagogue (cf. Mishnah, Aboth 5:21; Niddah 5:6). He would then assume all the responsibilities implied in his circumcision. For some observances at any rate the Mishnah provides that a boy should be taken to the observance a year or two before he turned thirteen so that he might be prepared (Yoma 8:4), and there may have been something of this on the present occasion (though it is equally possible that Jesus went up every year; we do not know).
Luke 2:42 (NASB95) — 42 And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast;
Jesus was quite enthralled with the ways of God. He literally gets lost in the magnificence of God.
Jesus remained in Jerusalem, at the temple. This was the place that satisfied his soul. He wanted to learn as much as he could about the Scriptures and the promise of salvation. Thus he was irresistibly drawn to the house of God. He wanted to stay in his Father’s presence, lingering at the place where his heart could echo the joy he had always experienced as the eternal and preexistent Son.
Jesus wanted to be in the house of God because of his deep and personal relationship with the Father. Like a boy who longs to be by his father’s side, so Jesus longed to be with his Heavenly Father.
It should have been no surprise that Jesus was in God’s house, just like it ought to be no surprise to find his people in his house.
Jesus Asked ________________________ Questions about God’s Ways.
Luke 2:46–47 (ESV) — 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
Jesus possessed a hunger for knowledge of God’s ways. He was not content simply to be in God’s house. He was going to take every advantage to grow in the strength and wisdom of the Lord. And to do so he had to be engaged in the process.
Questions to Consider
What are some things about God that enthrall you? How might we continue to grow in our awe of who God is and what He does?
Do you feel “at home” with God’s people? Why or Why not? What holds you back from worshiping and having fellowship with God’s people?
How might you be engaged in your growth of God’s ways? What are good questions to ask?
