People You Should Know: Jesus (April 12)

The Text: Luke 2:41-52 NLT

The Clues:

Vs. 41-42

This is the only record of Jesus’ childhood in the Bible. All Jewish men were required to attend three festivals. The most important festival was Passover. The purpose of this festival was to commemorate and celebrate Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage. For more information on the Passover, read Exodus 12 and Exodus 13:1-16.

VS. 43-44

Jesus’ parents traveled to Jerusalem and back with a caravan of people. Joseph and Mary assumed that Jesus was somewhere within the caravan. But, as it turned out, Jesus wasn’t where they thought he was. He was missing. How would you finish the following statement? In our society, Jesus is missing from_________.

Vs. 45-47

The three-day search probably included a day’s journey toward Nazareth, a day’s journey back to Jerusalem, and a day’s searching in Jerusalem. Jesus’ understanding and wisdom amazed the religious teachers. Where did his wisdom come from? With their vast knowledge of the Bible, why couldn’t the religious teachers recognize the Messiah when he was right in front of them?

Vs. 48-50

Jesus responded to Mary’s question with two questions. He asked, and I paraphrase, “Why did you search everywhere? Didn’t you know that it was time for me to be involved in my Father’s work?” Jesus was only 12 years old, but he already knew that he was no ordinary child. He was God’s son. In addition, Jesus understood what his Father was doing, and he understood his role in his Father’s work. He was going to give himself as a sacrifice for mankind. Remember this was the Passover. The Israelites were celebrating their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. A sacrificial lamb was instrumental in their deliverance from Egypt and in their Passover celebration. These sacrificial lambs all pointed ahead in time to the sacrifice Jesus would make in order to deliver the human race from the consequences of sin. How do you think it made this 12-year-old boy feel to know he was destined to die like one of those innocent lambs? In spite of everything that Joseph and Mary had been told about Jesus by angels, shepherds, Simeon, and Anna they still didn’t understand Jesus’ comments about being God’s son and doing his Father’s work. How was it possible that they still didn’t understand?

Vs. 51-52

Jesus obeyed his parents. They were human. He was God in flesh. At this point, he had certainly gained more wisdom than his parents. Yet, he submitted to their authority. With all his wisdom, Jesus continued to grow wiser.

Okay, you’ve read the text and considered the clues. Now, it’s time to make your discoveries.

1.      What did you learn about Jesus in these verses?

2.   What practical lessons did you learn in this story?

3.  In light of what you’ve learned, what step of action should you take?