Luke 2:41-52 The Childhood Portrait - Revision history

Wakefien at 17:58, 23 December 2024

2024-12-23T17:58:48Z

Wakefien at 17:57, 23 December 2024

2024-12-23T17:57:00Z

Wakefien: /* Image: What was your childhood obsession? */

2024-12-23T17:56:24Z

‎Image: What was your childhood obsession?

Wakefien: /* Pursuing Purpose — Submission matters, and faithful submission to those in authority will grow us in submission to God (49–52). */

2024-12-23T17:55:09Z

‎Pursuing Purpose — Submission matters, and faithful submission to those in authority will grow us in submission to God (49–52).

Wakefien: /* Pursuing Pulse — Rhythm matters, and there is no better rhythm to keep than that of faithfulness (41–45). */

2024-12-23T17:48:58Z

‎Pursuing Pulse — Rhythm matters, and there is no better rhythm to keep than that of faithfulness (41–45).

Wakefien: /* Pursuing Perception — Inquiry matters, and there is nothing better into which we inquire than the God of the universe (46–48). */

2024-12-23T17:48:41Z

‎Pursuing Perception — Inquiry matters, and there is nothing better into which we inquire than the God of the universe (46–48).

Wakefien: /* True dedication involves far more than just trying to passively consume (47). */

2024-12-23T17:47:38Z

‎True dedication involves far more than just trying to passively consume (47).

Wakefien: /* Two skills are fundamental to growth: listening and asking questions (46). */

2024-12-23T17:45:27Z

‎Two skills are fundamental to growth: listening and asking questions (46).

Wakefien: /* Image: The role of Scripture growing up */

2024-12-23T17:42:36Z

‎Image: The role of Scripture growing up

Wakefien: /* Children are greatly impacted by the rhythms their parents choose (43–45). */

2024-12-23T17:42:11Z

‎Children are greatly impacted by the rhythms their parents choose (43–45).

@@ Line 84: / Line 84: @@
 <p>I have a huge advantage in life, a leg up on most people. My family never had much money; in fact, we spent a lot of our life below the poverty line. I also did not attend a private school. Actually, the school I attended was a very poor school that did not offer much in the way of courses. For example, I never had the opportunity to take calculus in high school because my school did not even offer precalculus, let alone calculus. We never had new cars, and we rarely went out to eat.</p>
-<p>The reason I have an advantage in life is because my dad had a disciplined, consistent spiritual rhythm. Every day, my dad read his Bible, and it was his priority. TV, games, things like that always—and I mean *always*—took a backseat to reading the Bible. On vacation, my dad brought his Bible. On vacation, we attended church. I learned my entire childhood that spiritual rhythms take priority, and guess what? I have carried that knowledge with me into everything I do.</p>
+<p>The reason I have an advantage in life is because my dad had a disciplined, consistent spiritual rhythm. Every day, my dad read his Bible, and it was his priority. TV, games, things like that always—and I mean always—took a backseat to reading the Bible. On vacation, my dad brought his Bible. On vacation, we attended church. I learned my entire childhood that spiritual rhythms take priority, and guess what? I have carried that knowledge with me into everything I do.</p>
 ===MTR: Make sure your rhythms are consistent with your beliefs.===

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 23 December 2024
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−	==Luke 2:41-52 Childhood Portraits==	+	=Luke 2:41-52 Childhood Portraits=

	Nathan Wakefield / General		Nathan Wakefield / General

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 ==Introduction==
-== Image: What was your childhood obsession? ==
+=== Image: What was your childhood obsession? ===
 My mom always said I had a one-track mind—once I got something in my head, there was no slowing me down. Emily can confirm that this still holds true today.
@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 As a kid, I was single-minded in my determination to become a pilot. I still love flying today, and there are times when Emily points out that my old obsession resurfaces.
 ==Need: We need to have a single-minded focus on Christlikeness.==
 ==Preview: Today we will look at the childhood of Jesus, and we can learn a lot from Jesus' childhood if we will just humble ourselves and approach spiritual life with the faithfulness, inquiry, and submission of the boy Jesus.==

@@ Line 127: / Line 127: @@
 ==''Pursuing'' ''Purpose'' — Submission matters, and faithful submission to those in authority will grow us in submission to God (49–52).==
-Jesus affirms his mission by stating that he must be in his Father's house, but then submits to a mere human in obedience to his mother. This affirmation and submission invites Christians to evaluate their own life's mission and their alignment with God's purpose. This point encapsulates Jesus' early realization of his role as the Messiah and challenges believers to embrace their God-given destiny with similar resolve.
+<p>Jesus affirms his mission by stating that he must be in his Father's house, but then submits to a mere human in obedience to his mother. This affirmation and submission invites Christians to evaluate their own life's mission and their alignment with God's purpose. This point encapsulates Jesus' early realization of his role as the Messiah and challenges believers to embrace their God-given destiny with similar resolve.</p>
 ===True purpose is found in single-minded devotion to God (49–50).===
-The statements Jesus makes in verses 49 and 50 are fascinating. He begins with a surprising question: "Why were you searching for me?" Then he follows it with another question: "Did you not know?" Interestingly, the structure of the second question in the Greek anticipates a "yes" response.
+<p>The statements Jesus makes in verses 49 and 50 are fascinating. He begins with a surprising question: "Why were you searching for me?" Then he follows it with another question: "Did you not know?" Interestingly, the structure of the second question in the Greek anticipates a "yes" response.</p>
-Jesus then declares what the NIV translates as, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" However, here's where things get particularly intriguing—the Greek text does not include the noun "house." While many traditionally interpret this as a reference to the temple, it's possible that Luke intended something broader and left it purposefully ambiguous.
+<p>Jesus then declares what the NIV translates as, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" However, here's where things get particularly intriguing—the Greek text does not include the noun "house." While many traditionally interpret this as a reference to the temple, it's possible that Luke intended something broader and left it purposefully ambiguous.</p>
-Essentially, Jesus is saying, "I am about my Father's business" or "I am engaged in God's work."
+====Essentially, Jesus is saying, "I am about my Father's business" or "I am engaged in God's work."====
-The key idea here is that Jesus was exactly where he needed to be—doing God things. He understood his priority and remained focused on fulfilling the work of God.
+====The key idea here is that Jesus was exactly where he needed to be—doing God things. He understood his priority and remained focused on fulfilling the work of God.====
 ===Single-minded devotion to God will demand that you submit (51).===
@@ Line 145: / Line 145: @@
 Jesus—who is the God of the universe—submitted.
-Think about that for a moment. Jesus, who not only knows perfection but *is* perfection, chose to submit!
+Think about that for a moment. Jesus, who not only knows perfection but is perfection, chose to submit!
-We've all experienced times when we thought a boss was wrong or our parents made a mistake. Yet, that doesn't change the principle of submission. In Jesus' case, it was undeniably true that his mother didn't know best—after all, Jesus is God. And yet, the text tells us that Jesus submitted to his parents.
+<p>We've all experienced times when we thought a boss was wrong or our parents made a mistake. Yet, that doesn't change the principle of submission. In Jesus' case, it was undeniably true that his mother didn't know best—after all, Jesus is God. And yet, the text tells us that Jesus submitted to his parents.</p>
 The word translated as "was obedient" is the Greek ὑποτασσόμενος (hupotassomenos), meaning to be subject or subordinate. Imagine Mary asking God himself to take out the trash or do the dishes! And yet, Jesus—God in the flesh—obeyed his fallen, imperfect parents.
-That's the profound humility and obedience of Christ.
+<p>That's the profound humility and obedience of Christ. Why? Because it was the right thing to do, and Jesus was single-mindedly devoted to God the Father.</p>
 ===Those who submit will find themselves growing (52).===
@@ Line 159: / Line 157: @@
 Verse 52 brings the narrative to a close: Jesus grew from a child into a man. While there's little doubt that Jesus knew who he was—after all, he spoke of being about his Father's work—it's also clear that he grew in his understanding of his role, developed mentally, and built relationships.
-The mystery of Jesus being fully God and fully man is something we can't fully comprehend. I don't know exactly what he poured out in becoming human ([https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Php2.7 Philippians 2:7]), but I do know he was fully human. And because of that, I believe he learned and grew like any other human being.
+<p>The mystery of Jesus being fully God and fully man is something we can't fully comprehend. I don't know exactly what he poured out in becoming human ([https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Php2.7 Philippians 2:7]), but I do know he was fully human. And because of that, I believe he learned and grew like any other human being.</p>
 The text tells us that he grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people. The God of the universe humbled himself to experience human growth, development, and maturity.
@@ Line 169: / Line 167: @@
 ===Image: The professor congregant===
-One of my favorite theology professors told us about his church. His pastor was not a brilliant theologian. In fact, I can almost guarantee that this professor knew more than just about any pastor he would sit under. Yet, he sits under a pastor. When the pastor preaches, I am sure my professor notes things that could have been said differently, better, or more clearly. Yet, he sits.
+<p>One of my favorite theology professors told us about his church. His pastor was not a brilliant theologian. In fact, I can almost guarantee that this professor knew more than just about any pastor he would sit under. Yet, he sits under a pastor. When the pastor preaches, I am sure my professor notes things that could have been said differently, better, or more clearly. Yet, he sits.</p>
-In life, you are going to be in situations where you are smarter, better, more right, etc., than someone who is over you. Nevertheless, if you submit, you can grow even in these situations.
+<p>In life, you are going to be in situations where you are smarter, better, more right, etc., than someone who is over you. Nevertheless, if you submit, you can grow even in these situations.</p>
 ===MTR: Determine to make submission a practice and rhythm.===

@@ Line 49: / Line 49: @@
 ==''Pursuing'' ''Pulse'' — Rhythm matters, and there is no better rhythm to keep than that of faithfulness (41–45).==
-Jesus' commitment is evident even as a child—leaving his parents to seek God's presence in the temple during Passover. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, reflecting the big idea of placing God at the center of our lives.
+<p>Jesus' commitment is evident even as a child—leaving his parents to seek God's presence in the temple during Passover. It encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, reflecting the big idea of placing God at the center of our lives.</p>
 ===You need to have healthy rhythms (41–42).===
@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 ===MTR: Make sure your rhythms are consistent with your beliefs.===
 ==''Pursuing'' ''Perception'' — Inquiry matters, and there is nothing better into which we inquire than the God of the universe (46–48).==

@@ Line 88: / Line 88: @@
 ==''Pursuing'' ''Perception'' — Inquiry matters, and there is nothing better into which we inquire than the God of the universe (46–48).==
-In these verses, Jesus' interaction with the teachers is significant, demonstrating his wisdom and understanding. We must engage actively with our faith, asking questions and seeking deeper knowledge, mirroring Jesus' dedication to his divine mission.
+<p>In these verses, Jesus' interaction with the teachers is significant, demonstrating his wisdom and understanding. We must engage actively with our faith, asking questions and seeking deeper knowledge, mirroring Jesus' dedication to his divine mission.</p>
 ===Two skills are fundamental to growth: listening and asking questions (46).===
@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 ===MTR: Make a point of encouraging, supporting, and participating in inquiry.===
 ==''Pursuing'' ''Purpose'' — Submission matters, and faithful submission to those in authority will grow us in submission to God (49–52).==

@@ Line 106: / Line 106: @@
 ===True dedication involves far more than just trying to passively consume (47).===
-The God of the universe is certainly capable of delivering the best answers to life's hard questions. However, there is something really special going on here. Jesus, the boy, who, according to [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Php2.6-7 Philippians 2:6-7], "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness," took on human form despite its limitations, is still able to provide deep insight into Scripture.
+<p>The God of the universe is certainly capable of delivering the best answers to life's hard questions. However, there is something really special going on here. Jesus, the boy, who, according to [https://ref.ly/logosref/BibleNIV.Php2.6-7 Philippians 2:6-7], "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness," took on human form despite its limitations, is still able to provide deep insight into Scripture.</p>
-Learning occurs when we actively engage with material. One of the best methods for actively engaging is conversation. Here is how I want to challenge you. I have seen all sorts of card decks with "conversation starters." For example, "If you could change your name to anything, what would you choose?"
+<p>Learning occurs when we actively engage with material. One of the best methods for actively engaging is conversation. Here is how I want to challenge you. I have seen all sorts of card decks with "conversation starters." For example, "If you could change your name to anything, what would you choose?"</p>
-Those are nice, but why don't we develop spiritual conversation starters? "If you could only read one book of the Bible over and over this year, what would it be?" True dedication to God is going to involve far more than just being passive pew warmers. So my challenge: develop a set of conversation starters with regards to spiritual matters and learn to have spiritual conversations, even in casual conversation.
+<p>Those are nice, but why don't we develop spiritual conversation starters? "If you could only read one book of the Bible over and over this year, what would it be?" True dedication to God is going to involve far more than just being passive pew warmers. So my challenge: develop a set of conversation starters with regards to spiritual matters and learn to have spiritual conversations, even in casual conversation.</p>
 ===It is easy to accidentally dismiss inquiry as bad timing (48).===

@@ Line 92: / Line 92: @@
 ===Two skills are fundamental to growth: listening and asking questions (46).===
-The text highlights that Mary and Joseph are separated from Jesus for three days. So, what does a 12-year-old boy do with three days of unsupervised time? Jesus spends it learning.
+====The text highlights that Mary and Joseph are separated from Jesus for three days. So, what does a 12-year-old boy do with three days of unsupervised time? Jesus spends it learning.====
+=====Learning requires an active mind.=====
 As a former professor, I spent a significant amount of time researching how people learn. One of the most important advancements in education is the understanding that learning doesn't happen by passively listening to a stream of information. Instead, real learning occurs when we actively engage with the material.
-This isn't a groundbreaking discovery—people have understood it for millennia—but it has recently regained attention. You've probably heard of learning styles like visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but these have largely been debunked. Learning is less about the method of delivery and far more about active engagement with the content. Learning is fundamentally active!
+<p>This isn't a groundbreaking discovery—people have understood it for millennia—but it has recently regained attention. You've probably heard of learning styles like visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but these have largely been debunked. Learning is less about the method of delivery and far more about active engagement with the content. Learning is fundamentally active!</p>
-So, what do we see in the text? We see Jesus fully engaged in the process of learning and growing. He isn't passively absorbing information—He's listening and asking questions.
+====So, what do we see in the text? We see Jesus fully engaged in the process of learning and growing. He isn't passively absorbing information—He's listening and asking questions.====
-This is a powerful example for us. We need to be active consumers of Scripture. If your spiritual nourishment consists solely of attending church on Sunday, listening to a sermon, and… well, that's it, then you're spiritually starving.
+<p>This is a powerful example for us. We need to be active consumers of Scripture. If your spiritual nourishment consists solely of attending church on Sunday, listening to a sermon, and… well, that's it, then you're spiritually starving.</p>
-Jesus shows us a different approach. He listens, asks questions, and actively engages in learning Scripture. That's the model we should follow.
+=====Jesus shows us a different approach. He listens, asks questions, and actively engages in learning Scripture. That's the model we should follow.=====
 ===True dedication involves far more than just trying to passively consume (47).===

@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 ===Children are greatly impacted by the rhythms their parents choose (43–45).===
+====The Temple clearly felt like home for Jesus.====
 I want you to notice something. Jesus must have been very comfortable in Jerusalem and in the temple. This is a good thing. Often, we have kids running around our building acting like they own the place. This is a good thing! We want our kids to learn to take care of the building, but we also want them to feel like they own it. We want our kids to see the rhythms of their parents and get to the point where church is a second home.
-I love the story of 12-year-old Jesus being forgotten because he was doing what Mom and Dad do—participating in the study of Scripture.
+====I love the story of 12-year-old Jesus being forgotten because he was doing what Mom and Dad do—participating in the study of Scripture.====
+====Good parents are consistent parents.====
 God chose Mary and Joseph for a reason; they were good parents! Something I really want everyone to consider: Emily and I do not have kids, but that also gives us the opportunity to just sit back and observe parents. We also have the advantage of training in counseling and child development.  You want to know what makes a good parent? What I have seen time and time again is that consistency in godly behavior, rhythms, and discipline are what make a good parent.