July 12, 2016
WHAT HAVE I MISSED OUT ON?
Luke 2:41–52
Bob Wilkinson
Central Truth
God has a plan for our lives. However, He gives us freedom to stray away and do our own thing. His blessings come to us when we choose to trust His love and leading in our lives, even when He leads us into places that don't make sense to others.
Key Verse | Luke 2:46
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. (Luke 2:46)
Luke 2:41–52
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents 1 2:48 Greek they saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 2 2:49 Or about my Father's business 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature 3 2:52 Or years and in favor with God and man.
Dive Deeper | Luke 2:41–52
I realize that, when these verses were written, 12-year-olds were allowed to do a lot more things than we allow today, but I cannot imagine myself at 12, alone in a big city for three whole days. After Mary found her son, it says she “treasured up all these things in her heart” (verse 51b). My mom would’ve done a lot more than that!
But, then again, I’m not Jesus.
Jesus spent three days doing what His Heavenly Father instructed Him to do—engaging teachers in the temple. We’re told that Joseph and Mary were astonished when they saw Him, but Jesus’ behavior was perfectly in line with what they already knew about their son. They did not understand His response, but He was submissive to them and returned to Nazareth with them.
As a Christian, I am loved by the same Father and led by the same Spirit that directed Jesus. I also have the additional benefit of reading about how Jesus responded to His Father’s will and the Holy Spirit’s leading.
Looking back on my 23 years as a Christian, I find that the seasons when I trusted and obeyed God daily were the most amazing and joyful seasons of my life. Of course, there were tough times as well, but I can now see their purpose in my life. Many of those tough times were caused by my own sin, and I tried to rationalize my behavior to those who told me I was dishonoring God.
Just as Jesus knew He was in the right place in His Father's house, I can know that I am never in the wrong place when I am submitting to my Father's calling, obeying His Word, trusting in His love, and letting His Spirit lead me. And I don't have to wonder what I have missed out on.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you believe God has a better plan for your life than you do?
2. Are you in a place right now that doesn’t honor God? If so, ask God to forgive you and lead you out.
3. If you are in a place right now that is fulfilling God’s plan for your life, what are you doing to protect yourself from temptations that might pull you away?