What do you find most characteristic of young adolescents today? What
kinds of activities would you say they are most often engaged in, healthy
ones or unhealthy ones? What about believers? What characteristics are
most prominent in the Christian young people you are familiar with? Do
you think the parents have anything to do with the answer you gave? Let's
look at this topic further as we study the life of Christ through the
eyes of Luke in chapter 2 beginning with verses 39-41...
And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord,
they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the child
grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of
God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the
feast of the passover.
We learn much about this particular family in just these three verses
don't we? The Bible says they performed ALL things according to the law
of the Lord. That's quite a good reputation for a family to have, amen?
Would others acquainted with your household be able to say that about
your family?? Here the Bible also reveals to us that the parents took
their responsibility for spiritual things seriously, for they went to
Jerusalem every year for the feast of the passover and they stayed till
it was over too! Have you ever left church early for some reason or another,
maybe even skipped it altogether? You see ladies; worshipping God was
a priority for Joseph and Mary that nothing interfered with! They were
a devout couple, both equally serious about the things of the Lord. And
they raised their child accordingly, instilling in their son the same
reverent attitude toward God, therefore placing a strong spiritual foundation
in his young life. As a result, the child experienced growth, not decay!
Though we all know this child is Christ, the principle is the same, no
matter who you are. Jesus had developed physically, mentally, socially
and spiritually. He grew in a balanced way, without neglect to any part
of his life. Is there any part of your child's life (your own??) that
is in neglect today? Jesus waxed strong in spirit; he was a very stable
young man. He was filled with wisdom because he could learn better in
such a healthy family atmosphere. And the Bible says the grace of God
was upon him… Who wouldn't want that for their child! Ladies, if you want
this for your children, you must be ready to pay the price Joseph and
Mary paid as parents. When we do right and uphold righteousness in our
lives, living in obedience to the Lord, our families will prosper just
as theirs did, to the fullest extent. And the proof of it should show
up in our children's lives…
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will
not depart from it.
Now ladies, I want you to understand that at this point in time, Jesus
is only twelve years old as verse 42 confirms for us. Luke here gives
us only one account of Christ's youthful years, so we should pay careful
attention to the information given. How many 12 year olds do you know
today that have the same characteristics Jesus did at this age? "Well,
that's because He was the Son of God Miss Pam, and besides, Jesus lived
in Bible times, our children can't be like that in this day and age!"
Oh really? Well, then I guess you must not have this verse in your Bible:
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible;
but with God all things are possible.
Even though the times change, God the Father does not! He is still able
to perform in our lives that which was performed in the lives of others
in days gone by. We must stop looking for excuses as to why it cannot
be done and just do right! All things ARE possible - even in this century!
Ladies, Jesus was not an only child that grew up in the sweet, innocent
environment of the countryside - he was raised in the city of Nazareth
along with other brothers and sisters according to Mt. 13: 54-58. So you
see, with God it is possible to have the same holy characteristics that
Joseph, Mary and Jesus had as a family and as individuals.
Luke 2:42-45
And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the
custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned,
the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother
knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went
a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking
him.
I wonder, how did Jesus get left behind in Jerusalem? The Bible says his
parents "supposed" him to have been in the company. Back then, people
traveled to the feasts in caravans, the women and the children leading
the way and setting the pace, the men and young men following behind.
(That's another message in itself, amen?) Relatives and whole villages
often traveled together and kept an eye on one another's children. At
the age of twelve, Jesus could have easily gone from one group to another
and not been missed. Perhaps Joseph thought Jesus with Mary, and Mary
thought Jesus with Joseph. Either way, these parents were guilty of SUPPOSING....
I want to park here for a moment on this point. Could it be that you too
are guilty of "supposing" that your children are "in the company"? Do
you suppose that just because they are traveling along with a group of
people who desire to live for God that they are saved and doing well,
full of godly desires? What characteristics are present in your children's
life that are causing you to suppose this? Are they the same ones that
were present in young Jesus life?? Only such godly characteristics could
give you confidence in your answer. Do you foolishly suppose that your
little Johnny or Suzy is not ever capable of straying away? Let's learn
from Joseph and Mary as parents… Let's not be guilty of supposing anything!
Make it your business to know exactly where your children are at all times
- physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. It is our
God given duty! Look closely for the right fruit in their lives before
you "suppose" anything, or before you ever let them leave your sight to
roam around…
Proverbs 29:15b
....a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.
Come to think of it, when WAS the last time you stopped to consider the
state of affairs of your children, ladies? In the busyness of life you
haven't lost track of them, I hope! Joseph and Mary waited a day before
they actually realized Jesus was missing, the Bible says. No doubt these
parents were greatly distressed, for three days total went by before they
found Jesus in the busy city of Jerusalem! The longer you wait, the harder
it will be. I wouldn't let too much time go by before you consider where
your children are, or you might lose them forever.... They might not be
doing as well as you supposed they were! Joseph and Mary had to take the
time to go back to the place where they lost track of him in order to
restore their son under the protection of their parental authority. Where
might you find your children today - under your authority or out from
under your authority?? What activities would they become involved in if
left on their own in a big city? Would they use the opportunity for good,
or for evil, for flesh or spirit? Let's look at verses 46-50 that tell
us where Jesus was found and what He was doing...
And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple,
sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them
questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding
and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said
unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and
I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye
sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And
they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
I find it interesting that Mary basically asked her son why he had chosen
to forsake them. Could it be that they had caused this dilemma themselves??
Many parents neglect their children or leave them to themselves and then
blame their children for the outcome when it was really poor parental
oversight on their part to begin with! Nevertheless, what was Jesus doing
during the three days that He was on His own? He was found in the temple
of God engrossed in discussion, sitting among the doctors hearing them
and asking them questions, no doubt provoking their thinking about the
things of the Lord, challenging their viewpoint and ministering to them
as well. Conversing with doctors?? A 12 year old?? You mean Jesus wasn't
living it up now that he was absent from his parents?? Yes, ladies, even
if left on their own, kids can be trusted to make godly choices. Even
at 12 years of age children have the ability to engage in intelligent,
evangelistic, God-honoring conversation! With God all things are possible,
remember? It all starts in the home… Is the Lord really the center of
your home today?? If so, you can raise some pretty stable and amazing
children!
Matthew 3:17
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I
am well pleased.
Just what were the effects of Jesus' questions and answers on these folks
in Jerusalem? The Bible says they were astonished at His understanding
and answers. Hmmm, I wonder what the source was that Jesus words and wisdom
came from? The Bible, of course, for that is the source of all wisdom!
I'd like to challenge you to spend some time this week reading in the
book of Proverbs, specifically chapters 1-5, for there is a parallel found
there with this point in Luke chapter 2 in regard to the wisdom of Christ
as a young boy. Ladies, our children need God's wisdom in order to thrive
and excel in this life. The wisdom of God will keep track of your children
when you cannot, and will protect you as parents from having to sorrow
after or worry over them!
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy
getting get understanding.
Input equals output; what goes in WILL come out… So then, what kinds of
conversations are your children engaging in today?? Is it shallow and
foolish, or rich with wisdom? Have you lowered your expectations simply
because of their young age, supposing good judgment not to be possible?
God hasn't! What about you, dear lady? Are you able to communicate effectively
with others for the purpose of reaching people's hearts and minds for
the Lord? Are you raising children in your home that are going to be able
to follow suit or haven't you taken the time to look for such fruit in
their lives?? Christian parents should see to it that their children are
effective communicators for the cause of Christ! Those of us who educate
our children at home have the added benefit of being able to equip them
fully with God's wisdom rather than just worldly knowledge. There should
be a noticeable difference to our children! Are your children learning
to be discerning listeners? Are they learning how to ask thought provoking
questions? Can they carry on intelligent, respectful conversations with
adults? Are they examples of children who are under parental authority?
We should all seek to powerfully affect others for righteousness sake,
no matter what our age, amen? Our presence should have as much of an impact
on those around us as Jesus did, not only that day, but also many days
after!
Yes, in the midst of all this profound conversation, Mary and Joseph frantically
discovered their son, for Jesus was the center of attention. (I wish that
were the case today!) What is their reaction as his parents? First of
all, even they were amazed as they listened to him! They couldn't believe
this was their son talking with such skill and wisdom! As Mary his mother
speaks first, her loving rebuke brought a respectful but astonished reply
from Jesus. "Wist ye not that I MUST be about my Father's business?" Joseph
and Mary did not appear to understand that their young son could have
such a zeal for the Lord, and yet, where did He learn it? From them! Christian
parents, don't be surprised after you train up your child in the way they
SHOULD go, when they desire to serve the Lord full time. Don't be astonished
when they are able to become leaders early in life! Many mothers and fathers,
yes, even Christian parents, question their children's godly desires and
become sorrowful when the ones they trained in a godly fashion grow up
and decide to serve the Lord on the mission field or somewhere in the
states making little money, maybe even having to live in a less than desirable
environment. Don't let being a parent get in their way when your children
show signs of wanting to be about the Father's business! I hope you won't
be guilty of discouraging your children's zeal for serving the Lord, but
would rather encourage them to be involved in the Father's business as
Jesus desired to be. Mary and Joseph did not realize how much Christ wanted
to fulfill His calling as the Son of God, and hopefully your child will
want to fulfill their calling too! Be willing to let them go, amen? Remember
Christian parent, God loaned your children to you, and ultimately they're
His… Be careful not to place unnecessary pressure upon your children forcing
them to choose between obedience to God and loyalty to family.
Psalm 127:3
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is
HIS reward.
Of course, in closing, we find in verses 51-52, now that Jesus had been
found of his earthly parents, he willingly made himself subject to their
authority since he was still only 12. There are far too many 12 year olds
today that do not do this! As a matter of fact, there are far too many
2 year olds who are not even made to obey their parents either, and what
a dreadful public display those who are standing around are usually given!
Jesus Christ did not pitch a fit, pout, stomp his feet or run away at
having to obey his parents. You see ladies; Jesus realized that these
people had all been listening to Him now for nearly three full days, what
kind of an example would it be for Him to open His mouth up for the Lord
and then display an unsubmissive spirit toward authority?? Be careful,
Christian, that you are not guilty in this area! Many families today are
destroying their testimony by permitting such obstinate behavior, thereby
damaging the cause of Christ. People are watching each member of your
family and we should all display proper attitudes toward authority. I
hope you Christian parents are training your children to consider this
important matter because ultimately what we DO speaks louder than what
we SAY every time!
Yes, the crowd was left with quite an impression of this particular young
man and his parents. But what about your family today? With what kind
of impression are you leaving people? I hope you care, because the Lord
sure does! Make Him the center of your home and the proof will show up
in your children.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003
