Luke 2:40-52LUK 2:40-52
Little is known about the life of our Lord Jesus Christ during His first thirty years on earth prior to His public ministry. But there is a portion in Luke 2 That pulls back the veil on that perfect young Man. It provides a brief glimpse that might be an encouragement to young people and parents. With ever-increasing peer pressure to conform to a wicked world and a lukewarm Christendom, it is more urgent than ever that we follow the example of our blessed Lord with a devoted heart and single eye on Him.
There are eight characteristics of our Lord Jesus we ought to consider when His parents returned to Jerusalem seeking Him (v. 45.)The moral order of these things is a good lesson in itself.
Sitting
First of all He was found sitting in the temple in the midst of the doctors. The Lord Jesus was sitting in a place where the Word of God was taught and discussed. Are you? Are you regularly attending Bible studies and prayer meetings? Some will say, "But things are not going too well in the church right now so why should I go?" Well, consider how corrupt this very temple was in which the Lord was sitting. It was truly a "den of thieves" and "a house of merchandise," but Jesus was still there, although briefly. The temple had hypocrites then and the church has the same today, but as there were God-fearing saints in the temple then, as Anna and Simeon, so there are Christians today who fear the Lord and need the encouraging presence of younger brethren at assembly meetings.
Hearing
Next we find the Lord hearing the doctors. When we go to prayer, reading or other meetings do we listen? Why waste the time going if we don't hear what is said? "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." It is wise to get one or two good facts or thoughts out of each meeting we go to, that we might meditate and multiply the truth ministered.
Asking
Then we find that the Lord was asking questions. You mean, the Lord of Glory, who knows the end from the beginning had to ask questions? No, I don't think He had to, but He did, in His marvelous grace and lowliness. If we search through the public ministry of our Savior, we will find a multitude of questions from His blessed lips. Well then, are we too proud, or too shy to ask honest questions about what is preached or taught? "Seek, and ye shall find," "ask and it shall be given." God rewards those that diligently seek Him. Don't be afraid to ask questions, but don't ask questions to stir up strife or confusion. The Lord used questions to bring out the real truth, and to search the conscience.
Understanding
The doctors were astonished at His understanding. We don't always understand the truths of Scripture when we first hear them. But if we sit, hear and ask, then understanding will certainly come. God desires that our understanding be opened and that we fully and happily know the truth of the Bible. When we understand a scripture, that means we know what it says and that it applies to us personally. There are too many today that can tell you what God's Word says, but seldom apply it to their own hearts first. Knowledge without understanding is a great obstacle to spiritual growth. Live, show, and then speak what you know of God's precious book (Matt. 5:19.)
Answers
Next the Lord has answers. It is excellent also if we have studied to show ourselves approved unto God and are ready to give a scriptural answer to those that ask. Do you have some answers, that is, spiritual answers from Scripture, to the many difficult questions young people have today? Don't speak when you don't know what to say as Peter did on the mount, but be ready as Timothy was, rightly dividing the word of truth, preaching the word in season, and out of season. If you lack wisdom just ask of God and He will give it from above, liberally. The best answers come, as Peter learned, from those who have sanctified the Lord in their heart (1 Peter 3:15) and know how to answer every man.
Working
After this we see the Lord declaring that He "must be about His Father's business." The Lord Jesus was a working young man. And He worked hard. (John 9:4.) He said "Are there not twelve hours in the day?" John 11:9. And He lived that! We are to be working too; God has made it that way. "Occupy till I come." Our day of rest and reign will come shortly in glory, but it is not now on this earth. Here we are to study to work with our own hands and do our own business and all should be done heartily as unto the Lord and not unto men. The lazy and slothful will have a miserable life overgrown with nettles, and a big bonfire at the judgment seat of Christ (1 Cor. 3:15.) "In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury [poverty]." Prov. 14:23.
Submitting
Now as the Lord Jesus went back to Nazareth from Jerusalem, we find the Lord of glory submitting to His earthly parents (v. 51). Amazing grace! What a blessed example for us today in a world of rebellion and in a generation that "curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother." (Prov. 30:11.) God delights in parents that reverence Him and in children that submit to parents in the fear of God. It is the only path of peace and joy for the young Christian. Let us be honest, are those young people who rebel, disobey and dishonor their parents happy or spiritually prosperous? Not really: remember the prodigal, remember Samson, remember Absalom. Now stop and consider the blessed and fruitful life of Samuel. What a difference submission makes, first to God, then to those with authority from God.
Increasing
Last of all we find the Lord increasing (v. 52). Don't we all want this: to be in favor with God and man? But we want it now! Look at all that went before in the Lord's life: sitting, hearing, asking, understanding, answering, working, and submitting. Yes, God gives the increase we know, but He gives it in His perfect time. "He that shall humble himself shall be exalted," just as the Lord Jesus. Our increasing in. wisdom and stature is never to be an object or goal, it can only be the result of a life humbly seeking to follow Christ. True spiritual growth is an unsought-for by-product of a life of obedience and submission to God. And if our Father has indeed increased us a little we need not glory or gloat in it, but soberly remember. "A man can receive nothing, except it be given Him from heaven." John 3:27. "The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men." I Mess. 3:12.
How wonderful of God to give us just a fleeting glimpse of the Lord Jesus in His youth. But even this is enough to cause us to exclaim with others, "Never man spake Like this Man" and "He hath done all things well.”
Though only twelve, yet in Jesus I find
Perfect wisdom for this young life of mine.
Though only twelve, still in Jesus I see
Perfect graces I'll praise for eternity.
T. Clement