God Rules!

Luke 2:1–7 (NKJV)

As a historian, Luke identified the time period of Jesus’ birth by naming the Roman

emperor and the local governor.1

The Romans ruled Palestine; [and] Emperor Caesar Augustus, the first Roman

emperor, was one of the greatest of all Roman rulers. He was a good

administrator and was [meticulous] about the financial accounting of his empire.

Augustus ended the civil war in the land and brought peace and prosperity

throughout the Empire. He reigned from 27 B.C. to A.D. 14. The Roman rulers,

considered to be like gods, contrasted greatly with the tiny baby in a manger who

truly was God in the flesh.2

I. God Rules over Kings and Kingdoms, (Luke 2:1, 2)

2 And it came to pass in those days (a time prior to Luke 1:80)

that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus (the first Roman

emperor, and one of the greatest) that all the world (meaning the

Roman Empire) should be registered (all would be registered for tax

purposes, and for some it would include serving in the military as well

– all Jews though were exempt from Roman military service). 2 This

census first took place while Cyrenius (a Roman Senator, whom Augustus

raised up from obscurity to highest honors) was governing Syria (a second

census took place in A.D. 6 that Luke mentions in Acts 5:37 and by Josephus—

these ran in 14 year cycles after Caesar Augustus started them).

When Rome said, “Jump,” those under Rome said, “How high.”

Rome was full of itself.

Their emperor’s came to be so full of themselves that they began to see

themselves as gods, & they not only accepted worship…they demanded it.

Rome truly believed that they were sovereign over the world they ruled.

Babe Ruth, can set the record straight though.

An umpire named Babe Pinelli once called Babe Ruth out on strikes. When the crowd booed with sharp disapproval at the call, the legendary Ruth turned to the

Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke. Life application Bible commentary (36–37). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers. Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke. Life application Bible commentary (36–37). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

umpire with disdain and said, "There’s 40,000 people here who know that the last pitch was ball, tomato head." Suspecting that the umpire would erupt with anger, the coaches and players braced themselves for Ruth’s ejection from the game. However, the cool headed Pinelli replied, "Maybe so, Babe, but mine… is the only opinion that counts."

Believers need to realize that God’s judgment is:

* the only one that counts

* and thus resist the temptation to cave in or become angry over our

disappointments. – Where is Rome today?

> Rome came into the world and went out just as God predicted and willed in the Book of Daniel.

> Rome’s reign was allowed, used and sustained by God’s sovereign power

and authority, and for His purposes not theirs.

> It’s the same in our world today! God reigns sovereign over all nations and authorities.

We need to rely on God’s sovereign choices for us regardless of whether they seem right or not at the moment.

God was in control of Rome, its emperors and their wills.

Proverbs 21:1 (NLT) – The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by

the Lord; He guides it wherever he pleases.

Abraham Kuyper, (who was the Prime Minister of The Netherlands (1901-05).

Said once that) “In the total expanse of human life there is not a single

square inch of which… the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare,

'That is mine!'”

Billy Graham is quoted as saying concerning God’s ruling hand, that, “God is

unchanging in His love. He loves you. He has a plan for your life. Don't let

the newspaper headlines frighten you. God is still sovereign; He's still on

the throne.”

Our government can’t take the road it is progressively moving towards and not

suffer the consequences. It ought to disappoint us but not frighten us. We ought

to be able to see the consequences coming, see them, but not be surprised by

them.

There is not a king or kingdom, an authority in the entire world that God doesn’t

rule over. Nor is there a judge, boss, spouse, parent, child, teacher etc... Not one,

not anywhere, not anytime.

II. God Rules over Times and Timetables, (3-7)

3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city (the

city of his or her ancestry). 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David

(where he was born), which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house

and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who

was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were

completed for her to be delivered (to have the baby). 7 And she brought forth

(gave birth to) her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths

(wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth), and laid Him in a manger (a feeding

troth), because there was no room for them in the inn (being filled to capacity).

Joseph leaves Nazareth to go to Bethlehem in order to comply with the Emperor’s

decree, and it just so happens on the day of their arrival, Mary has her baby,

Jesus.

That’s cutting it a little close isn’t it?! What if they were one day later and she had

her baby somewhere else. Prophecy wouldn’t have been fulfilled then. Wow,

wasn’t God lucky! No, He wasn’t lucky, the fulfillment of His will and prophecy is

with pin-point accuracy… every time, all the time.

Not only was God in control of Rome, its emperors and their wills... but God was

also in control of the timing of the execution of their wills.

Think something through with me.

Look at Luke 1:38. What did Mary say to the angel who told her she would

miraculously give birth to the Messiah, whom she was to call Jesus?

Luke 1:38a – Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me

according to your word…”

Does that verse mean that God only has a plan for the lives of people like Joseph and

Mary? That’s not what a trove of other Scriptures tell us. One of the best concerning all

gospel believers is Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a

future.

Whether you are a Caesar or a Joseph, or a Mary, or even God’s Son, as Jesus Himself said, “I came not into this world to do my will, but the will of Him who sent Me”, no matter WHO you are, God the Father has a plan for your life!

A.T. Pierson used to say, “History is His story,”

and President James A. Garfield called history “the

unrolled scroll of prophecy.”

[So] WHO’S [REALLY] IN CHARGE?

[Yes] The Romans ruled the civilized world [in Josephs and Jesus’] time.

[And yes, by contrast, Joseph controlled very little [and Mary controlled even less].

[And] Against [Joseph’s] better judgment and political convictions he complied with the Roman order and traveled with Mary to Bethlehem.

[But, tell me, is it not true that people often] feel like Joseph,/ [trapped] by forces larger than they are[?]

The Romans were in control [only] insofar as human authority can get its way

by exerting human power. But the Romans did not recognize their limitations. In reality, God (and God alone) controls the world. In all times and places, He works His will [according to His time table.].

God did not write Roman law, but judged it.

God did not soften Joseph’s bumpy road, but strengthened him.

God does not take away your free will, but He directs your life.

He will guide you and provide all you need, within whatever circumstances man or a broken world may place you in.

Like Joseph, [we need to] live each day by faith, trusting that God is in charge.3

Our real problem is that we attribute to the forces around us that put pressure

on our lives, with more power than they actually have and we attribute to ourselves less than God provides for us.

AROUND 70 MILES (5 MILES FROM JERUSALEM)

Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke. Life application Bible commentary (39). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

III. God Rules over Powers and Prejudice

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields,

keeping watch over their flock by night (The rabbis considered them to be

religious outcasts and their testimony was not [even accepted] in court.4 These

flocks could also have been the sacrificial lambs for the temple).

Since it is by God’s power and authority that His children are to do all things, it

doesn’t matter

what your station in life is,

or what your personal resources are,

or even what your personal intelligence or abilities are.

The story is told of a philosophy professor at the University of Southern California. He was a committed atheist and used every opportunity in his introductory course to disprove the existence of God. Because of his flawless logic, students were afraid to contradict him. He had taught this class for 20 years, and every semester on the final day of class he would issue a challenge. He would stand at the front of the large lecture hall and say to the 300 or so students: "If anyone here still believes in God, stand up!" In all those years, no one had ever dared to stand up. Then he would say, "If you still believe in God, you're a fool. If God did exist, He could keep this piece of chalk from hitting the floor and breaking into pieces. A very simple task for an almighty God, wouldn't you say? Yet He can't do it!" His voice dripped with sarcasm and scorn. Every year he would drop the chalk, and it would shatter on the hard tile floor. The students would just stare, many of them convinced that he had proved God didn't exist. Surely, there had been Christian students in these classes, but none of them had had the courage to stand up. A few years ago, however, a freshman enrolled in the class because it was required for his major. This young man was terrified of the professor because he had heard the stories, but he prayed every morning during the semester that when the day came he would have the courage to stand up for his faith. Finally, on the last day, the prof issued his usual challenge: "If there's anybody here who still believes in God, stand up!" The freshman got to his feet. Everyone in the hall turned to look at him as the professor shouted, "You fool! If God is real, He can keep this piece of chalk from shattering when it hits the floor."

As he said it, the piece of chalk slipped out of his hand, bounced off his sleeve, hit

his shoe, and rolled across the floor unbroken. The professor looked at the young man

and then angrily stomped out the door. In the stunned silence that followed, the student

Utley, R. J. D. (2004). Vol. Volume 3A: The Gospel According to Luke. Study Guide Commentary Series (Lk 2:8). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.

made his way to the front of the room and began to share his testimony with 300 very

attentive classmates.

IV. God Rules over Angels and Arrangements Appearances

9 And behold, an angel (messenger) of the Lord stood before them

(suddenly appeared, right out of the blue), and the glory (the brightness,

splendor) of the Lord shone (eliminated the area—it wasn’t their glory that

illuminated the darkness) around them, and they were greatly afraid (absolutely

terrified). 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring

you good tidings (wonderful news) of great joy (that will result in tremendous

joy) which will be to all people. (regardless of gender, age, status, etc.) 11 For

(the good news which will fill you with joy is that) there is born to you (individually

as well as collectively) this day (right now, at this very moment) in the city of

David (Bethlehem) a Savior (Messiah, Redeemer), who is Christ (the Anointed

One) the Lord (the Master). 12 And this will be the sign to you (this is how you

will find your Savior): You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying

in a manger.”

13 And suddenly (again quite unexpectedly and all at once) there was with

the angel a multitude (an army) of the heavenly host (angels of God) praising

God and saying:

14 “Glory (splendor, honor, majesty) to God in the highest (in heaven for

sending a Savior), and on earth (God’s) peace, goodwill toward men (for the

provision of man to be reconciled with his Creator)!”

An angel appeared at a faculty meeting and told the dean that in return for his

unselfish service, he will be rewarded with his choice of wealth, wisdom, or

beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selects wisdom. "It is done!" the angel said,

and then disappeared into a cloud of smoke. All of the other members of the

faculty stared at the dean with amazement. Finally one of them whispered, "Now

that you have infinite wisdom, Dean, say something." The dean looked them and

said, "I should have taken the money."

September 11th, 2001 just past 9:00am, Stanley Praimnath, Vice President for

Fuji Bank, was in his office in the South Tower at WTC when his phone rang. “Are

you watching the news?’ asked a woman the Chicago office. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine” he said wondering why she had called. Just then he turned to gaze out

the window at the Statue of Liberty, as had been his routine. The surreal sight of a

low-flying commercial jet, heading straight for his tower disrupted his view. He

dropped the phone in mid-sentence and dove to the floor. Curling under his desk

he began praying to God, “Lord, help me” he prayed desperately as the aircraft

smashed into the tower.

The smell of jet fuel in the air, equipment scattered all around, rubble covering the

floor, dust in the air, he began clawing across mound of debris. “Lord, I have to go

home to my family,” he wheezed. “I have to see my daughters.” Just then he saw

a light.

“I am here to help you.” He thought, “This is my guardian angel! The Lord sent

somebody to help me!” Praimnath’s guardian angel was Brian Clark, a Christian

who was an executive 3 floors below. The 2 miraculously climbed out of the rubble

to safety.

Praimnath stated, “My Lord has some unfinished tasks for me.” “I took the tattered

clothes I was wearing that day, put them in a box, and wrote DELIVERANCE all

over it. I told my wife, ‘if I ever get spiritually cold, I want you to bring this box to

me, open it up, and show me what the Lord brought me from.”

V. God Rules over Circumstances and Conclusions

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that

the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem (let’s follow

through on this wonderful news) and see this thing that has come to pass (like

Mary, they believed the angel), which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And

they came with haste (rushed off, all but fell over one another) and found Mary

and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him

(Jesus who was the focus of attention and worship---not Joseph and/or Mary),

they made widely known (they told not just Joseph and Mary, but anybody and

everybody) the saying which was told them (by the angel) concerning this

Child, (being the Savior—they became the first NT Evangelists who had seen the

Christ!). 18 And all those who heard it marveled (were filled with wonder) at

those things which were told them by the shepherds (concerning what they

saw, heard and discovered). 19 But Mary kept (cataloged) all these things and

pondered them in her heart (over and over again). 20 Then the shepherds

returned (to their flock), glorifying (worshiping) and praising (testifying of) God

for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them (by Him).

The worst of circumstances and the best of conclusions

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on Life.

Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.

It is more important than the past, than education,

than money, than circumstances, than failures,

than successes, than what other people think,

or say or do.

Attitude is more important than appearances,

giftedness, or skill.

Attitude will make or break a company --- a church --- a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day

regarding the attitude that we will embrace for that day.

We cannot change our past,

we cannot change the fact that people

act a certain way.

We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have,

and that is our attitude ---

I am convinced that life is 10% what happens

to me and 90% how I react to it." ---Chuck Swindoll.

Bill Klem was a famous National League umpire. He used to have a habit of

hesitating a minute before signaling a ball or a strike. It was just a quirk of his.

One day there was this young hotshot pitcher on the mound who would fire away,

and Bill Klem would take his dear old time calling the pitch.

Finally, in about the 6th inning, the kid was getting irritated. He threw a crucial

pitch and then just couldn’t help yelling, “Come on, Bill. What is it?” Klem pulled

off his face mask, stared the kid down, and said, “It ain’t nothing ‘til I call it

something.”

In light of God, kings and kingdoms, times and timetables, powers and prejudices,

angels and appearances, circumstances and conclusions, ain’t nothing, until we

call them something.

The Arrival of “THE” King!!

Luke 2:21–40

I. The King’s Arrival at the Temple, (21-24)

21 And (according Jewish law) when eight days were completed for the

circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, (as naming the baby

was part of the ceremony—Jesus was) the name given by the angel before He

was conceived in the womb. (God is NEVER out of touch! He not only knows

what is going on, but He also is orchestrating it! (EXAMPLE: stage without props,

backgrounds, lighting, sound system, costumes, makeup, directors, scripts, etc.)

The name Jesus is very fitting for it is the Greek form of the Hebrew name

Joshua which means “Yahweh is salvation”.5 John 14:6 (NKJV) – Jesus said to

him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except

through Me. Acts 4:12 (NKJV) – Nor is there salvation in any other, for there

is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be

saved.” John 10:1-2, 7 – “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter

the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief

and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep… 7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door

of the sheep.

We see several aspects of Joseph’s and Mary’s obedience here don’t we.

They followed through with the Jewish law of circumcision.

They officially named the baby according to the Jewish law.

And they gave the baby the name they were told by the angel, Jesus.

Jesus is in the hands of faithful parents.

Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Lk 2:21). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

What would a faithful parent look like today?

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old

he will not depart from it. Well what does that look like?

Deuteronomy 11:18a,19 (NAS) – “You shall therefore impress these words of

mine on Y O U R heart and on your soul... You shall teach them to Y O U R

C H I L D R E N , speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you

walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

If we do that, we should have no problem quoting 1 Corinthians 11:1 to our

children, no matter what their age – Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

22 Now when the days of her (Mary’s) purification according to the law of

Moses were completed, they brought Him (Christ) to Jerusalem to present

Him to the Lord

The couple was required by the Law not only to have Jesus circumcised (Lev.

12:3), but also to present their firstborn to God (Ex. 13:2, 12) 33 days later and to

bring an offering for Mary’s purification after childbirth (Lev. 12:1-8).6

_________________________________________________________________

We must remember though that there’s no magic in dedicating a child to the Lord,

but it is a huge statement and commitment by the parent—concerning their values

and their desire to transfer those same values to their children!

Do you remember for example Manoah and his wife. Their son, Samson, was

dedicated to the Lord from birth. An angel of the Lord even affirmed it!

Manoah and his wife trained Samson up in the way he should go, but did Samson

respond in a godly fashion to their training? No, but he did, at the conclusion of

his life end up in the faith chapter of Hebrews 11. He pretty much wasted his life,

but confessed it and repented of it at the end.

A different account of dedicating ones child to the Lord is found in 1 Samuel 1:28–

2:1 (NIV) – So now I (Hannah) give him (Samuel) to the LORD. For his whole

life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there. 2:1

Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD

Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Lk 2:21). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in

your deliverance.

Have you dedicated your child or children to the Lord, whether formally or

personally? If you have, are you following through on that commitment?

And you children, how are you responding to the training you are receiving?

23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb

shall be called holy to the Lord” ), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to

what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves or two young

pigeons.” (Which would not unduly burden the poor, like Joseph and Mary.)

You don’t have to have a lot of money or material possessions to be a faithful

servant, a good parent, or a godly child. All God requires is that we be faithful to

Him with however much or little He has allowed us to acquire.

II. The King Is Recognized by Simeon, One of His Faithful Servants, (25-35)

A. The faithful servant wanted to be like his King, (25a)

25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and

this man was just (righteous before God in his actions and motivations)

B. The faithful servant revered his King, (25b)

and devout (God fearing—right with God in his attitude and reverence),

C. The faithful servant looked forward to meeting his King, (25c)

waiting for (in an expectant way) the Consolation (encouragement and comfort)

of Israel (which the Messiah would bring),

D. The faithful servant listened to the Spirit of his King, (25d-27)

and the Holy Spirit was upon him (influencing him). 26 And it had been

revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had

(physically) seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 So (as a result) he came by the Spirit

into the (general area or outer courts of the) temple. And when the parents

(Joseph and Mary) brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the

custom of the law,

E. The faithful servant embraced his King, (28a)

28 he (Simeon) took Him (Jesus) up in his arms

God held the position of first place in the heart and life of Simeon and thus

Simeon had his mind open, his heart overflowing, his eyes looking expectantly and

his hands busy.

How about you and me?

Does God hold first place in our lives?

Are we “just” (righteous before God in our actions and motivations)

“and devout” (God fearing—right with God in our attitude and

reverence),

“waiting for” (in a patient and expectant way for our) “Consolation”

(encouragement and comfort)

o Are our minds open to the promises of God? (as a child’s needs to

be to a parents instruction)

o Are our hearts overflowing with reverence concerning God?

o Are our eyes looking expectantly for the presence and activity of

God? (In our life and in the lives of those around us.)

o Are our hands busy in the service of God?

F. The faithful servant rejoiced over his King, (28b-32)

and blessed God

1. The source of his peace, (28c, 29)

and said:

29 “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart (pass into eternity) in peace

(full and at rest), according to Your word (as You promised I would);

The word depart in the Greek has several meanings, and each of them tells us

something about the death of a Christian. It means:

to release a prisoner, to untie a ship and set sail,

to take down a tent (see 2 Cor. 5:1–8),

and to unyoke a beast of burden (see Matt. 11:28–30).

God’s people are not afraid of death because this [departure] only frees us from the

burdens of this [broken world] and leads into the blessings of the next life.7

Philippians 1:23–24 (NIV) – I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and

be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I

remain in the body.

In another sense when an individual lost in sin looks to Christ for the forgiveness

of his sin and becomes a gospel believer, a disciple of Christ, he is to depart from

all that is contradictory to God’s character and will.

2 Timothy 2:19 – Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having

this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who

names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

2. The source of his salvation, (30) 30 For my eyes have seen Your (means or Person of) salvation (the Christ

Child)

3. The source of everyone’s salvation, (31)

31 Which You have prepared (set in motion even before the foundation of the

world, [Rev. 13:8]) before the face of all peoples (for the benefit of the

entire human race),

4. The source of light to the Gentiles, (32a)

32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles (the penetrating, revealing truth of

God to wake the Gentiles up from their spiritual darkness and lead them to

salvation),

5. The source of glory to Israel, (32b)

and the glory of Your people Israel,” (being the people through whom the light,

the Messiah comes.)

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:21). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

When you depart from your old life and all things become new through faith in

Christ, who wants to go back to his old way of living?

Mark 5:15, 18-20 – 15 … they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been

demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right

mind. And they were afraid…18 And when He got into the boat, he who had

been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. 19 However,

Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell

them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had

compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis

all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.

G. The faithful servant blessed & informed the King’s guardians, (33-35)

33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were

spoken of Him (Jesus). 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His

mother,

1. Some will be offended by the King & judged by Him, (34b)

“Behold, this Child is destined for the fall (meaning destruction, ruin, undoing)

2. Some will believe the King & be blessed by Him, (34c)

and rising (lifting up, elevating, promotion) of many in Israel, and for a sign

which will be spoken against (To some Christ will be a stumbling stone of

offense [Rom. 9:33]; to others Christ will be the cornerstone of their salvation [1

Pet. 2:6, 7].)

3. Your heart will be broken over your King, (35)

35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also [referring to

Christ’s death on the cross]), that the thoughts of many hearts may be

revealed,” (at the time of the crucifixion, it will be easy to see who is for and

against Christ).

III. The King Is Recognized by Anna, Another of His Faithful Servants, (36-40)

A. The faithful servant was a proclaimer of her King, (36)

36 Now there was one, Anna (which means Grace), a prophetess (a

forthteller), the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (the second son of

Leah’s handmaid Zilpah—Jacob’s 8th son). She was of a great age, and had

lived with a husband seven years from her virginity;

B. The faithful servant was a worshiper of her King, (37a)

37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who (was still

very active in the Lord’s service whereby she) did not depart from the temple

(she was as regular an attendee of the services and the goings on as one could

be),

C. The faithful servant was in constant touch with her King, (37b)

but (her main service was towards others in that she) served God with fastings

and prayers night and day (continually).

D. The faithful servant never lost hope in her King, (38a)

38 And coming in that instant (when Joseph and Mary arrived with Jesus)

she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him (Christ) to all those who

looked for redemption (salvation— v. 25) in Jerusalem.

She shared the message with all believers (v.38b)

Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Outline - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible –

Luke.

Being continually in the presence of the Lord leads to continual worship and

service on behalf of the Lord.

At five years of age Jesus models twelve sparrows out of soft clay. He claps his

hands and the sparrows become alive and fly away, etc., etc.8

The Childhood of Jesus, Luke 2:39-52

1. JESUS’ EARLY YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT WERE NORMAL (V.39-40).

Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (179–181). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

39 So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord

(concerning Jesus’ dedication and Mary’s purification), they returned to Galilee,

to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And (during the years following their return) the

Child (Jesus) grew (physically) and (as well) became strong in spirit (He

progressively became zealous in spiritual matters and became), filled with

wisdom (progressively became more accomplished intellectually); and the grace

of God was upon Him (The presence and blessing of God the Father became

progressively more evident within and upon Jesus. I love what Matthew Henry

says here, “The wheat sprang up without tares”.

We need to remember that (even though there were some unique features about

Jesus’ person….being both God and man) Jesus still developed progressively in

His humanity, just like any child towards adulthood.

Understanding that will help us to avoid some of the thoughts that are portrayed in

“certain apocryphal writings. These picture Jesus as being, even according to his human

nature, omniscient and almighty (or at least nearly so), and this from the very start.

Lions and leopards worship him.

The infant Jesus says to a palm, “Bend down and refresh my mother with your

fruit,” and it does so immediately.

At five years of age Jesus models twelve sparrows out of soft clay. He claps his

hands and the sparrows become alive and fly away, etc., etc.9

2. HIS FAITHFULNESS IN WORSHIP WAS NOTEWORTHY (V.41-42).

41 His parents (both) went to Jerusalem (regularly) every year at the Feast of

the Passover. 42 And when He (Jesus) was twelve years old (for the first time),

9 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (180). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

they went (all together) up to Jerusalem (as a family) according to the custom

of the feast.

The law obligated all male Jews “of mature age” to go to Jerusalem thrice a year

to attend the three great feasts: Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles (Exod. 23:14–

17; 34:22, 23; Deut. 16:16). 10

Again [we see here as we have in the earlier passages of Luke that] there is

attention to the law—Jesus grew up in a home where God’s laws were obeyed

and annual festivals observed. So, the year when Jesus was twelve years old was

no different, and the family set off for the festival as usual.11

Jesus’ parents, like most devout Jews, went to Jerusalem each year. Jesus’ family

had the right priorities. …Putting God first is a great example to children, who

quickly learn what parents care about by observing how they plan and spend

time12

3. HIS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT WAS NORMAL (V.43-45).

43 When they had finished the days (the 7 days of the Passover Feast), as

they (Joseph and Mary) returned (to Nazareth with a traveling party), the Boy

Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not

know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company (of other

members of the family and friends), they went a day’s journey, and sought Him

among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him

(in the returning caravan), they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

10 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (182). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. 11 Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke. Life application Bible commentary (56). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers. 12 Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke. Life application Bible commentary (56). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

4. HIS KNOWLEDGE WAS SURPRISING (V.46-47).

46 Now so it was that after three days (of searching—A.T. Robertson says,

“One day out, one day back, one day finding him.”13) they found Him in the

temple (probably on the temple porches), sitting in the midst of the teachers,

both listening to them and asking them questions.

Since these were the days immediately following the great feast, and since

Jerusalem was the headquarters of the Jewish religion, we have a right to imagine

that several famous Jewish teachers were still to be found in the temple, for

teaching was not confined to the duration of the festivities. Here, then, was an

opportunity for Jesus which Nazareth did not afford.

It was not at all unusual for students to ask and answer questions. In fact that

was a favorite method of teaching among the Jews. The purpose was not to leave

these questions unanswered but to arouse interest among the students and to

arrive at definite answers.14

47 And all who heard Him (teachers and bystanders alike) were astonished

(“astonished” is a derivative of the word for “bewilderment” and “wonder” – We

would say today that they were “dumbfounded” or “awestruck”) at His

understanding (at the breadth and depth of Jesus’ comprehension) and answers

(at the breadth and depth of His responses).

What was unusual in the present case was the kind [and depth] of questions

this boy, Jesus, asked, and the kind of answers he gave. Both questions and

answers revealed such insight that all who were listening to him were astonished.

Soon all eyes must have been riveted on him, so that in a very real sense

whenever he spoke he became the center of attention: the boy in the midst of the

13 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (184). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. 14 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (184). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

teachers! Nevertheless, exaggeration must be avoided. Jesus was not yet the

teacher. That would come later.15

5. HIS MISSION WAS MISUNDERSTOOD BY HIS PARENTS (V.48).

48 So when they (Joseph and Mary) saw Him (Jesus), they were amazed

(which this time means overwhelmed, beside themselves); and His mother said

to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us (What were you thinking!)? Look,

Your father and I have sought You anxiously (greatly distressed, terribly

worried).”

6. HIS FIRST KNOWN RECOGNITION OF MESSIAHSHIP WAS AT AN

EARLY AGE (V.49-50).

49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me (Why did you have to search

everywhere to find me)? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s

business (meaning “things or affairs” – Of all people, did you not know that you

would certainly find Me in My Father’s places in or around My Father’s affairs? –

Another idea here is that 12 year old Jesus, was speaking as a man would speak

and not as a child, which would be confusing to them too.)?” 50 But they did not

understand the statement which He spoke to them (Maybe it was because

they were so upset, but Jesus’ statement went right over their head).

The word must was often on our Lord’s lips:

“I must preach” (Luke 4:43);

[He said to Zacchaeus, “I must stay at your house” Luke 19:5]

[“I must work the works of Him who sent Me” John 9:4]

“The Son of man must suffer” (Luke 9:22);

15 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (184). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

[He said] the Son of man “must be lifted up” (John 3:14).

[“He must go to Jerusalem” Mat. 16:21]

[“The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men” (Luke

24:7.]

[“He must rise again from the dead” John 20:9]

Even at the age of twelve, Jesus was moved by a divine compulsion to do the

Father’s will.16

I wonder if there is there anytime during the morning, afternoon or

evening…that our spouse, children or friends know that if they need us at a

particular time, they know they will find us in a certain place in the Word and

presence of God.

7. HIS OBEDIENCE TO HIS PARENTS WAS STRIKING (V.51).

51 Then He (Jesus) went down with them (Joseph and Mary) and came to

Nazareth, and was (as always) subject (obedient) to them (even though Jesus

revealed His approaching manhood and messianic business), but His mother

(Mary) kept (stored, treasured) all these things in her heart (she didn’t forget

what Jesus had said. She kept bringing His words to her mind. – This is the last

thing we hear about Joseph).

This reveals the deep nature of Mary and the proper attitude of her heart. The

mysteries were beyond her comprehension, yet she treasured them and sought

not so much to penetrate as to draw the blessedness from them. Unlike the bold

rationalist who disbelieves, rejects, or seeks to explain away what he does not

16 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:39). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

understand about the mysteries of God, Mary regarded them as her dearest

treasures.17

8. HIS GROWTH WAS IN FAVOR WITH BOTH GOD AND MAN (V.52).

52 And Jesus increased (grew even more) in wisdom and stature, and in favor

with God and (now, even with) men. (in the social, political and religious arena.)

Jesus is a wonderful example for all young people to follow. He grew in a

balanced way (Luke 2:52) without neglecting any part of life, and His priority was

to do the will of His Father (see Matt. 6:33). He knew how to listen (Luke 2:46) and

how to ask the right questions. He learned how to work, and He was obedient to

His parents.

The Boy Jesus grew up in a large family, in a despised city, nurtured by parents

who were probably poor. The Jewish religion was at an all-time low, the Roman

government was in control, and society was in a state of fear and change. Yet

when Jesus emerged from Nazareth, eighteen years later, the Father was able to

say of Him, “Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).

May the Father be able to say that about us! 18

BEING YOUNG

If you are twelve years old, one of your hardest jobs in life is obeying the adults who run

your home. They are called parents, and they always think they know best. It’s very

tough for a twelve-year-old to keep from taking over the family and running it according

to intelligent twelve-year-old standards. But when the temptation strikes, remember

Jesus… . Even though he knew his real Father, he did not reject his earthly parents. He

went back to Nazareth with them and lived under their authority for another eighteen

years. God’s people do not despise human relationships or family responsibilities. If the

17 Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of St. Luke's Gospel (170). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House. 18 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:39–Lk 3). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

Son of God obeyed his human parents, how much more should you honor your family

members!19

This in-between stage of rapid physical, mental, and spiritual growth is potentially

a time during which young people begin making more of their own choices.

Scripture offers examples of teens making choices, ranging from the wise choices

of Jesus at age twelve to the poor choices of the prodigal son.

During this transition time, parents move toward letting go, recognizing that the

child has been given in stewardship from the Lord (1 Sam. 1:11; Ps. 127:3–5).

This “letting go” gives adolescents room for growth in an atmosphere of parental

guidance and influence as well as accountability (Rom. 14:12; 1 Cor. 10:13).

Parents watch their teens move from parent-control to self-control and then

hopefully to God-control.

In the midst of this “letting go,” parents of adolescents must also remember that

God created each child uniquely; each must be reared with loving attention and

encouragement to her particular talents, gifts, and personality (Prov. 3:27), with

consistent discipline to lead the child God’s way (Prov. 22:6; 27:5), with the faithful

example of a consistent Christlike lifestyle (Deut. 6:7–9; 2 Cor. 3:2, 3), with godly

counsel and advice (Prov. 12:15; 19:20), and with undergirding in prayer (1 Sam.

12:23).

Teens need to realize that they are experiencing a great time of change. They

should cling to the spiritual values they know to be true, exercise patience with self

and others, and recognize that increased authority over their own lives means

responsibility for honoring commitments and making wise choices. God

commands children to honor their parents and to obey God’s laws, regardless of

age (Eph. 6:1–3).

See also Gen. 37:1–36; Matt. 18:3, note; Luke 15:11–32; notes on Children (2

Sam. 21; Ps. 128; Prov. 22; Luke 15); Dating (1 Tim. 4); Family (Gen. 32; 1 Sam.

3; Ps. 78; 127); Girlhood (Prov. 1); Parenthood (Prov. 10); Siblings (Gen. 37)20

19 Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke. Life application Bible commentary (59). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers. 20 Thomas Nelson, I. (1997). Woman's study Bible . Nashville: Thomas Nelson.