After the excitement of the preparation for Christmas and then the big day I suspect most of us have hit a bit of a lull or even a bit of a down time. We have to face returning to living the more mundane portions of our lives. Whatever problems we put on the back burner because of Christmas are now rearing their ugly heads again. The excitement of putting up decorations will soon give way to the drudgery of taking down and putting away the decorations. Most of us hate to see the Christmas season come to an end and we face the resumption of our day to day lives with a little less enthusiasm than that with which we faced Advent and the coming of Christmas. We are at least down off the emotional high of Christmas and we may even be in a bit of a valley.
Our reading from Luke this morning seems a bit like this- a let down after the dramatic and exciting events leading up to the birth of Jesus and the events at the birth. It is back to day to day living. We almost wonder why Luke put it in his gospel at all. Luke has told us of Jesus’ return to the Temple for circumcision, then for dedication to God (Garrett Austin Hart) as was required for all first born males. At the latter event Simian and Anna the prophet recognized the baby as Messiah. Matthew has told us of the visit of the wise men and the flight to Egypt to avoid Herod’s soldiers as they try to kill all first born Jewish males in order to kill Jesus. Now the family has returned to Nazareth and settled into family life.
So Jesus returns to the Temple at age 12 with his family to celebrate Passover. When his family leaves, Jesus stays behind and is not missed until the end of the first day’s journey. How could they loose a child?
Size of family- at least six other children; 4 boys (James, Joseph, Simon and Judas) and at least 2 sisters as Matthew tells us in 13:55.
Obedience of Jesus
Order of travel
So on the second day they return to Jerusalem and on the third day they find him in the Temple sitting among the teachers. Notice what Jesus is doing.
Listening
Asking questions
Occasionally answering questions
Even though all are amazed at his understanding Jesus is not teaching so much as striving to learn. He is not automatically endowed with knowledge, understanding and wisdom. He had to learn just as we do. And if He is eager to learn, should we be any less eager?
Now Jesus and Mary have a bit of a confrontation as Mary rebukes Jesus for causing his father and her anxiety and Jesus rebukes Mary for not knowing where he would be and not understanding that he had to be in his father’s house. And Luke says Mary didn’t understand. Mary’s “your father” equals Joseph, but Jesus’ “my father” equals God. How could Mary forget- angels, shepherds, wise men, virgin birth and she didn’t understand. After 10 years of quiet family living and in her anxiety and fear for her child Mary forgot who Jesus is. Is it any wonder we forget who this baby is who came to Bethlehem so long ago? Her relationship with Jesus will deepen and she never forgets again. We need to deepen our relationship so we don’t ever forget who Jesus is.
HE GREW IN:
Wisdom- knowledge and understanding of God
Years- physical
Divine favor- relationship to God
Human favor- social; love people as God loves
It took 18 more years of growth before He was ready to begin his ministry.
Vision statement of the VA Conference
What our church is to do