TEXT: Luke 2:41-52
READING: Psalm 40:1-17
SUBJ: The appearance of Jesus before the doctors in the Temple, the response when questioned, and the question as to when He knew that He was the Son of God.
AIM: That we should understand more fully our relationship to the Father as we consider His relationship to the Father.
INTR: Only Luke gives us any insight to the development of the child Jesus as he recorded the conception, the birth, His presentation at the Temple, and on to His appearance there at the age of twelve.
1. We note that he records the early childhood as we read in v. 40. We note the growth, waxing strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and that the grace of God was in evidence from the beginning.
2. But Luke further displayed insight into the development of Jesus when at the age of twelve His parents found Him in the Temple.
3. There is much more to be observed here than I am capable of, but we would take note of these things: The Boy in the Temple, A revealing “must,” and His life in Nazareth.
THESIS: It was necessary that Jesus fulfill all things pertaining to us and it began to be seen very early: Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17). And it was necessary that He be identified as the Son of God.
I. The Boy in the Temple (vv. 41-47)
1. We would be aware of Jewish custom and practice regarding a boy at twelve years of age.
2. We take note of the devotion of His earthly parents and reasons they may have lost track of Him.
1) They stayed the whole time and probably departed as a caravan.
2) They assumed that He would stay with the others.
3. They made a grievous return to Jerusalem.
4. An analysis of the encounter:
1) Both hearing,
2) And asking questions.
3) He was not being catechized.
5. This was reflected in the astonishment of all who heard Him. (We are reminded that others wondered at His knowledge and wisdom).
II. A revealing “must” (vv. 48-50)
1. A study in Fatherhood
1) Their amazement at where they found Him.
2) A searching “why hast thou thus dealt with us… Thy father and I sought thee sorrowing.”
2. It is certain that He acknowledged and respected Joseph as a father, but He had become aware of His true Father.
1) As if to say you were looking in the wrong place.
2) Don’t you know that,
3) “I must be about my Father’s business (or the things of my Father). ESV: And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” (Luke 2:49).
4) His Father and our Father and consider: And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18).
3. His must’s beginning here in this text. Necessity upon Him.
1) Must preach: And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. (Luke 4:43).
2) Must work: I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4).
3) Must suffer: From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. (Matthew 16:21).
4) Must needs go: And he must needs go through Samaria. (John 4:4).
III. Back to Nazareth (vv. 51-52)
1. Was subject unto them.
1) Many thoughts about how He functioned with them but is assumed that He worked in the carpenter shop and was quite in compliance with the fifth commandment.
2) Again, we note that He was there in our stead and His righteousness was to become ours.
2. His increase:
1) In wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)
2) Stature (indicating maturity)
3. Favor (graciousness of life)
1) Certainly, with God and
2) And received by man.
