Jesus’ words – Jesus LOST in the temple “wilderness”
Background History – passover celebrations at Jerusalem
The Old Testament commanded such a trip for three festivals a year (Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles; Ex 23:14-17; 34:22-23; Deut 16:16). But by the first century, God-fearing Jews made only one journey a year because of the distances involved
At this point : Only men required…
https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/Luke/Twelve-Year-Old-Jesus-Goes
Luke 2:40-52 (NASB)
40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, [r]increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Visit to Jerusalem
41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “[s]Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I [t]have been anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s [u]house?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He [v]had made to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these [w]things in her heart.
52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and [x]stature, and in favor with God and men.
Video Illustration: missing child
Text Reactions :
AMAZED
Amazed by: Vs. 47 At His understanding….
Vs. 48 strike with astonishment — amaze, astonished ( stronger than our definitions )
Vs 48 ANGUISH ( childbirth )
Inexpressible anxiety and distress. ( travail ), ( Greek )
‘What if an accident happens ? ‘
God Father cares MOST & FIRST!
No list – rather obvious 1st place to look!
JESUS RESPONDS
Lit – “ DID YOU NOT KNOW “
Literally “ in the things (that are/ of ) My Father’s—“
PAUSE ! Think. What information did they already have over past 12 yrs? Angels, conception, birth, shep, wisemen, Herod, Egypt….!!!!!! … in first 2 years
Vs 50 DIDNT UNDERSTAND
– why not?
Consider what we know at this point :
– 18 years between 12 & 30….
APPLY – WHAT DO YOU KNOW? – don’t forget Christmas happenings
– WHAT SHOULD YOU UNDERSTAND?
don’t rob God of His affection for us!
Don’t make cloudy that which is clear….
Get ready to be astonished / awestruck