With power and authority!

Context

While chapters one and two worked as an introduction to the book of Luke and laying the foundation of the fulfillment of God’s promises, chapters three and four have given us the introduction to Jesus’ public ministry. He rejected the devil’s temptations in the wilderness and then was rejected himself from his hometown of Nazareth. The testing scene showed us how Jesus has passed while all other humans have failed. And the last passage gave us the illustration of how God’s own people will reject Jesus and put him to death, only to be miraculously released. These final verses in chapter four will show us the power Jesus has over evil and sickness and yet reveal what is his higher priority.

Observation

Structure

• 31-37 Jesus rebukes a demon
• 38-41 Jesus rebukes a fever
• 42-44 Jesus corrects expectations

31-37 Jesus rebukes a demon

“Then he went down to Capernaum…” The word ‘then’ (NIV) is not explicit in the original and this event doesn’t need to be strictly following the previous one. Granted, a simple reading of the chapter would lead to the observation that he went from Nazareth to Capernaum. But it is clear that he has already been to Capernaum (verse 23). He is either returning there or Luke arranged the order of events to better suit his message. Just a thought.

“They were amazed at his teaching…” Amazed, astounded and overwhelmed.

“…because his words had authority.” See also Luke 2:36 and Matthew 7:29. Obviously they were impressed and blown away at the words and manner of his preaching. The word ‘authority’ carries with it the idea that Jesus had the right to say what he was saying. His manner was not so much suggesting what is true but saying what is true. He spoke (as you can tell when reading his words in the Gospels) like someone who knew the truth and never proposing an idea. Other speakers of the day were likely to suggest interpretations of the Scriptures and make arguments while referring to other Hebrew scholars to back up their idea. Jesus, it seems, just spoke what was true.

“In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon…” It is superstition and man-made fiction that a church acts as some sort of holy ground where evil may not cross or act. A man standing among worshippers of Yahweh was influenced by a demon – an impure, or unclean spirit. A few stories in Luke describe demon possession (Luke 4:41; 8:2ff; 10:17; 11:14ff). The longest stories are in chapters 8 and 11. Luke 13:32 helps us to see how driving out demons and healing people characterise the mission of Jesus and yet are only temporary goals. Jesus said, “Go tell that fox (Herod), ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’”

“He cried out at the top of his voice, “Go away! What do you want with us?”” Compare a few translations of this verse and you’ll get the feeling there is something peculiar in the Greek. The NIV has gone with a fair and agreeable translation to match the meaning of what is said. Other comparable suggestions are: ‘What have we in common?’ or ‘Leave me alone!’ Reading the ESV you see a more literal translation which is correct but generally misses the feeling that ‘Go away!’ conveys. ‘Ha! What have you to do with us?’

“I know who you are – the Holy One of God!” Again, it amazes me how someone so knowledgable can be so rebellious and yet this is the state of the human condition. People would prefer to deny the truth than to embrace it and be freed.

““Be Quiet!” Jesus said sternly.” The word here is ‘rebuked’ – see verses 39 and 41.

“…the demon threw the man down…” Clearly there is a difference between the man and the demon. Those who say that demon-possession was a type of mental illness fail to explain this as well as having the knowledge that Jesus is the Holy One of God and that a herd of pigs can receive the expelled demons as in Luke 8.

“With authority and power…” These two words capture his ‘God given right’ to speak the way that he spoke matched with the God given ability and strength.

At the end of this section we see demonstrated that Jesus is bigger than impure spirits and this is one aspect of his earthly mission.

38-41 Jesus rebukes a fever

“…went to the home of Simon.” We haven’t met Simon before in this gospel and because there is no introduction given to him, we accept him as the famous Simon Peter whom Theophilus would know through reputation.

“…Simon’s mother-in-law…” Insert some in-law joke here :o) – If this was Simon Peter, then he must have been married at some stage. See 1 Corinthians 9:5.

“…suffering from a high fever.” Whenever I get a fever, let alone a high fever, I reflect on how easy it is to go to the medicine cupboard and take some paracetamol or similar. A high fever was a bad thing which could result in death.

“…[Jesus] bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her.” It seems strange to personify a virus or even the symptoms of a virus but Luke is telling us that when it comes to evil Spirit or sickness, Jesus is the boss! He is rebuking sin and the effects of sin.

“She got up at once and began to wait on them.” Dr Luke amazed at not simply an antidote to sickness but the complete removal of it! Not even modern science and medicine does that!

“…the people brought to Jesus…sickness…demons…” This had immediately become Jesus’ thing. He could expel demons and illness with just a rebuke and that is worth bringing suffers to get their healing.

“…they knew he was the Messiah.” Firstly, Jesus just is the Holy One of God and the demons knew it. It was fact. Just because they hated him didn’t change that fact. Secondly, Jesus is not keen for his testimony to be given by his enemy! It will be those who see and believe and repent and follow who will become the apostles, and disciples of our King.

At the end of the second section, we are convinced that Jesus is the Messiah who has come to trample on Satan’s head (Genesis 3:15). He is the Holy One of God who easily smashes evil spirits and removes the effects of sin in the world.

42-44 Jesus corrects expectations

“…Jesus went out to a solitary place.” We aren’t told by Luke what he did there. All we can say from this account is that he sought out solitude. Mark 1:35 tells us that he prayed and we know he does in Luke 5:16. Time out from business and success allows us to be alone with God and meditate on what or how we can serve him best next.

“But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”” Jesus declares here that his mission is to tell people about the kingdom of God; that he is supposed to travel to people to give the message; and that he does this as someone sent! His authority has been given to him and his mission is not of himself but in obedience to whoever sent him!

Jesus’ plans were not to be owned by anyone, nor build a centre of ministry here on earth. It was to preach the good news, cast out demons and heal throughout Jewish areas.

Note again what Luke 13:32 says about his ministry: he will keep driving out demons and healing people until he reaches his goal which is to die in Jerusalem!

Meaning

The Boss of all has been sent to smash evil. He’s smash the agents of evil. He’s smash the curses of evil. And finally, when he dies and raises to life again, he will smash the power of evil. Jesus is the one who has come to point us all to his kingdom and to set us free from the clutches of the evil one.

Application

• Topic A: The curse of sin. Notice that Jesus rebuked a virus! We live in a world that is under the curse of sin and has been since Adam and Eve chose to go against God’s word. Every cold, every splinter, all cancer and even hay fever are all the result of sin in our world. It’s so nice to have late night chemists that supply us with solutions and preventions to all sorts of issues in this world but they are all just band-aids. When Jesus tore into that fever, he intended to show us that it is not welcome in his creation. Reflect on all that you have done in your day today that would look differently if we didn’t live in a sin-cursed world. Now thank God that one day he will undo the curse forever. Read Revelation 21:1-8.
• Topic B: Spreading the news and bringing people to Jesus (verses 37 and 40). It is common for Christians to feel unsure how to bring others to Jesus. Perhaps our hesitation is because we think too broadly about who Jesus is and what he has done for us. Yes, he has paid for our sins and promised us paradise one day but hasn’t he done more for you than that? What do you know is true about your life now because you have been brought to Jesus? What’s one thing you know that Jesus has done for you? Finish this sentence, “One thing I know is that Jesus has …” Would that be an easier conversation to have with other people?
• Topic C: Finding a solitary place. There is no law specifying when, where and how we are to take time out to spend it with God. But the scriptures convince us that it is a wonderful, life-giving thing to do. Genesis 24:63; Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1; 19; 77:22; Psalm 119:9-16, 27, 48, 97, 148; 143:5; 145:5; 2 Timothy 3; Luke 4:4! Encourage one another with how you can start or continue to read the bible and meditate quietly with God. Can you set a goal to do 21 days in a row? Jesus clarified his goals after stepping aside to be alone with God. Perhaps you can journal some new convictions resulting from your meditation times for your own encouragement.

Prayer of the Week

Lord God, thank you for revealing sin and the effects of sin in this world and help us not to be at home here but convicted to seek first your kingdom. Help us to walk closely with you and to always be ready and eager to tell others of what you have done for us. Amen.

Preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Context

As the 3rd chapter opens, we notice time has passed. The birth narratives and early years of Jesus are left behind and the story of Jesus and John as adults begins. If Luke 2:41-52 was a farewell story to Mary, then Luke 3:1-23 is a new beginning to Luke’s gospel centred around the life, teaching and ministry of Jesus. The twelve year old boy of 2:42 has become a man of about thirty (3:23) and the eighteen years between has passed by in silence.

Luke began his book with the promise to give accurate details of the events that have taken place and been fulfilled so that we may have certainty of the truth. Chapter 3 begins with some specific detail of the political landscape and historical data.

Observation

Structure

Warning: this is a long passage and a longer than usual exegesis.

• 1-2 Historical context in the world
  • 3-6 John’s ministry described
    • 7-14 John’s style of ministry
      • 15-18 John describes the Messiah
    • 19-20 John’s ministry concludes?
  • 21-23 Jesus’ ministry begins
• 23-38 Historical context to the Son of God

1-2 Historical context in the world

This space is not the best for expanding on the data that Luke provides here. We can see the spread of rule in the area and there were both Roman and Jewish rulers (including the high-priesthood). Tiberius Caesar ruled over all with many cooperating in his rule including governors, regional rulers and Jewish leaders. The data places us in the time of A.D. 29 although some debate can be made of this. The mention of two high-priests is interesting since there ought only be one high-priest. It was in this setting of foreign rule and misguided Jewish religion that the word of God came to John.

3-6 John’s ministry described

“He went into all the country around the Jordan…” The river Jordan represents the roots of the Jewish faith and is the perfect place for an Israel baptist to perform his ministry. When Israel entered the promised land, they had to go across the Jordan river. They departed from their sinful wandering in the wilderness and into the promised through the waters of this river. If John is to return the hearts of the people back to God and prepare the way through repentance, it will be to take the people of Israel back through the waters of the Jordan again.

“…preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” If there is to be forgiveness of sins there must be repentance. Only the blood of Jesus can save – true. But without repentance, how can a person be forgiven? Secondly, the baptism is described as a preaching. That is, the baptism says something and has a clear message to it. There is no sprinkling, dunking, or washing without the message of the gospel and accompanied repentance. See also the comments below regarding verse 7.

“As it is written…” the Jordan River has taken us back to the roots of Judaism but we are reminded also here that John’s ministry was prophesied in Isaiah. We should expect that what Isaiah says will make sense of what John was doing and vice versa.

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness…” The wilderness reference reminds us again of Israel before arriving at the promised land. This quote is from Isaiah 40:3-5. Looking up that quote shows some small differences none of which are problematic. This phrase, ‘a voice of one calling in the wilderness’ is written in Isaiah as ‘a voice of one calling: in the wilderness prepare the way…’ The resolution to this difference can be simplified as Luke quoting from a Greek translation of Isaiah. While that is a true answer there is more that could be discovered through research. But contentment with this answer should suffice. This blog does not aim to substitute or compete with commentary study – it aims at helping english readers to get to the point of the text.

“Prepare the way…the rough ways smooth.” The bulk of the quote refers to the act of making every preparation for the coming of a king or ruler. It’s not to be taken literally but plainly the message is to remove any barriers that will slow the king down. John’s teaching matches with this goal to remove from everyone’s lives the sin that so entangles them.

“And all people will see God’s salvation.” Here we see Luke substituting the end of his quote with a phrase that contains the point of Isaiah while serving his own purpose clearer. Luke’s vision for salvation is for the whole earth. Not just the Jews but for all people. God’s glory is substituted with God’s salvation. A reading of the rest of Isaiah 40 shows that the whole earth is on view and a continued reading of Isaiah shows clearly that the prophet has salvation for the whole world on offer (Isaiah 52:10). What Luke has done is tweak the end of the Old Testament quote, without messing with the author’s original intent, in order to make his point clearer.

7-14 John’s Style of Ministry

“You brood of vipers!” It makes me smile when I picture the people and families coming to this man of God to be baptised and get insulted! John is blunt with those who come to him for Godly wisdom and guidance. We need to watch why and how John ministers to the people before we adopt what he does. Note well that John’s rebukes eventually put him in prison. Again, this is no argument to abandon rebuking but my point is for us to measure what is being taught and to adapt what is good and righteous practice. The phrase, brood of vipers, simply means offspring of a snake. Can you imagine what that would mean to Jewish ears? Remember Genesis 3? The snake is the enemy of God and good and righteousness. John’s first words spoken in the book of Luke is to call his followers ‘children of Satan.’

“Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” Well, firstly, John thinks clearly and teaches boldly about a time of wrath that is coming. Under the heading of baptism, we have heard the words, repentance, sins and wrath (also forgiveness). Secondly, when he says, who warned you? This is a rhetorical question which might mean something like: where did you get the news that you needed to be baptised and to repent? I think of this phrase often in connection with modern day baptisms and wonder how people fail to connect the dots between baptism and the fear of the Lord. “Check your motives for being here” might be a way of capturing his intent. If they have been listening to God all along they would know how to live and how to respect and love God.

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Simply, repentance is underscored again. This is about turning around and going back in the right direction. This is exactly what John was foretold to be doing (Luke 1:16-17). John’s mission was to turn people’s hearts back to God again.

“Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘we have Abraham as our father.’” Being a Jew was much much more than pure descent. Repentance is a must and a changed life that matches with the intention. I do not understand how theologians can conclude that all Israel by blood will be saved. See the next verse for more!

“God can raise up children for Abraham [from these stones]”. Being a child of Abraham is about the promise and not the seed. See Romans 4.

“The ax is already at the root of the trees…” If a Jew will not repent and turn back to God then they will be excluded from salvation and thrown into the fire. Salvation is for the whole world and everyone, Jew or Gentile, will be saved on the basis of repentance that leads to forgiveness.

“What should we do then?” Clearly being a preacher with clear application in your sermons is smiled upon here.

• “Share” Verse 11
• “Fair” Verse 13
• “Care” Verse 14
• “Beware [of envy, greed or covetousness]” Verse 14

John’s application for different people did not demand leaving their current calling but to live out their vocation in the fear of the Lord.

15-18 John describes the Messiah

“The people were … all wondering … if John might possibly be the Messiah.” It’s great that in the hearts of the people was a desire to know the Messiah. This could only be possible if teachings of the Messiah were going around. After 400 and more years, the Jews were still hoping and wanting to see him. But likewise, John was definitely someone who stood out from the crowd.

“I baptise you with water…He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” There was nothing magical about the water that John used. His ministry was more about his preaching and preparing than it was about water rituals. Jesus is something else. His baptism will be life changing, cleansing, purifying and from within and throughout. John’s baptism did not come connected with the receiving of the Holy Spirit. (See Acts 1:5, 11:16, 19:4). The Holy Spirit can be easily connected with the gift coming after the resurrection. The fire reference is a sign of refinement which John expands on in the next verse.

“His winnowing fork is in his hand…but he will burn up the chaff…” John illustrates the work of the Messiah with a picture of a wheat farmer gathering up the crop for safe keeping but the chaff will be burned up. The chaff is the unwanted waste apart from the grain which is kept. Reading between the lines, if you don’t get ready and on board with the Messiah then being a descendant of Abraham will do nothing for you.

“Many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.” We have another summary statement to close off this part of the story but here is where we can move from John’s unique ministry to our present day requirement: to admonish or preach clearly and provokingly that the King is here and waiting for your repentance.

19-20 John’s ministry concludes?

John’s rebuking went even to Herod the tetrarch but Herod’s response was to sin further by locking John in prison. Herod removed John from his ministry of calling people in the wilderness. John portrays for us a man who did not run with the pack but whose purpose for living was to call people to repent and be ready for the coming king. He did not buckle at his calling even for self preservation.

21-23 Jesus’ ministry begins

“…Jesus was baptised too.” When we approach this verse with the thinking that baptism is for sinners then we can be confused why Jesus needed to do it. When we see it as Jesus joining with the people of Israel and viewing John’s work as God’s work then we can ask what is being achieved by Jesus’ baptism. The answer is that Jesus sees it as necessary for all people to be Godward in their hearts and since John is calling the people to prepare the way for God’s kingdom, Jesus is on board with that. (See Matthew 3:13-15). Jesus does not need to repent since he is without sin. But this does not make a water ritual which shows the heart of someone being for God redundant. Matthew, Mark and Luke all include the detail that Jesus was baptised. In doing this, Jesus aligns his ministry with John’s.

“As he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him.. And a voice came from heaven…” The Son was communing with the Father while the Spirit was present and the voice of the Father from heaven was there too. The three persons of the Godhead show their unity in the commencement of Jesus’ ministry.

“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The question must be asked: who is this message for? It is a statement from the Father directed at the Son. Luke 9:35 (and Matthew 17:5 and Mark 9:7) describe the same voice from heaven at the time of Jesus’ Transfiguration. At that time, the statement is directed to the disciples who are there. They are told that Jesus is God’s Son who is pleased with him and they are to listen to him! That occasion marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry when the disciples cease wondering who he is and Jesus turns his head toward Jerusalem – to the cross. But at the beginning of his ministry, the voice is for Jesus. Others must have heard it since it is recorded for us now. But Jesus himself is given direct revelation from the Father. A direct communication from God – not an angel. Jesus is not a sinner who is saved but the eternal Son of God who has come to save.

“Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.” Trivial? Just some info for us to register in our database of information that does not change lives? What strikes me, is not that Jesus was thirty when his public ministry started – although it is an amazing example to us that he was so patient to begin. Remember that he started to separate from his parents back when he was 12 but chose to be obedient to them since they were not ready. Jesus was now of an age that would be respected by elders. But what strikes me is the fact that he began his ministry. That is, there was a time before this that he had not begun in plain view what he would be remembered and worshiped for. There came a day when he stopped being a child and started his ministry. True, he had a clear vision of what his mission and ministry was and many of us struggle to identify what it is that we have been called to do with our skills. But there comes a time when a man or woman needs to make a decision and begin something. Our day and age is producing aimless wanderers who go from job to job and decision to decision aimlessly getting by when we ought to be mindful of what it is that we are doing here on earth. We don’t have to aim higher than we are able to. None of us are to be the Messiah. Most of us will travel through our lifetime affecting those around us, not making a noticeable dent in history and then we’ll be forgotten soon after we’re gone. But our time today is for pursuing the glory of God here on earth.

23-38 Historical context to the Son of God

“He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli…” One issue with this genealogy is that it differs from the genealogy in Matthew 1. Comparing the list from Abraham to David produces matching list. While Matthew begins his family tree back at Abraham, Luke traces ancestry from Abraham back to Adam and ultimately to God. This difference reveals the two purposes of the genealogy. While Matthew is drawing our attention to the promises of God through the people of Israel – poetically providing three phases of 14 offspring (which he does by skipping people) – Luke, on the other hand, draws our attention to the history of all mankind. Luke’s intention is to teach us that the Saviour has come into the world to save humanity. The biggest dilemma in comparing the two lists is to compare the descendants from David down to Jesus where only two names, Shealtiel and Zerubbabel, are in both lists. Why are these so different when Luke has boasted such research into his account (and of course Matthew mustn’t be assumed as a sloppy researcher!)? One theory is that Luke’s list follows the line of Mary while Matthew’s list follows the line of Joseph. This could work if we decide that Mary is a blood descendant of Jesus (see Luke 1:32; 69 where it could be argued Mary must be of the line of David). Take care though not to presume that the mother of Jesus, the only blood connection to this race must be a descendant of David. Matthew has no problems declaring Jesus as the son of David through the line of Joseph. We do not need to force this upon Mary. The major problem with this theory is trying to make sense of verse 23 when Mary is not mentioned at all but Joseph is. It is a strange sentence to be sure but some acrobatics are needed to make it sound other than what it naturally says. An example of a rewording of the sentence to make it work might be: “Now Jesus himself, supposedly Joseph’s son, was about thirty years old when he began (his ministry), being a son of Heli.” The second theory, and where this writer is content, is to see Matthew’s genealogy as following the Davidic heirs to the throne while Luke stuck to a direct bloodline history. We can see this from the direct son of David being Solomon in Matthew’s list compared to Nathan in Luke’s (see 2 Samuel 5:14), Both men were indeed children of David but only Solomon got the throne. Matthew stuck with the enthroned kings while Luke followed the family tree of Joseph. This is the most natural reading for the words in the text. The biggest problem with this theory is what to do with Joseph’s dad. In Matthew he is Jacob and in Luke he is Heli. Many theories exist to explain this and most of them are credible but unprovable. It is likely that Jacob and Heli had a close relationship such as being brothers or half-brothers or adopted or what’s known as a levirate marriage. Bock writes, “What emerges from both evangelists’ genealogies is that Jesus belongs on the throne no matter which route one takes. Both the physical route and the legal route lead to Jesus… the genealogy’s point is obvious. Jesus has a claim to the throne through David and is related to all of humanity through Adam.” (Bock, D.L., Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament).

“…the son of Adam, the son of God.” Luke places his genealogy at this location in his narrative following straight on from God’s own words that Jesus is his beloved Son. Only two individuals can claim that title by nature (as opposed to adoption through promise such as Israel or a believer). The first is Adam and the second is the second Adam, namely Jesus. Ending the genealogy with Adam also brings him into focus before finding Jesus in the wilderness to be tempted. Where the first Adam failed, the second Adam will succeed in remaining faithful and pleasing to God. See also 1 Corinthians 15:22, 45.

Meaning

On the playing field of human history, none has been pleasing and loved by God than Jesus Christ His Son. Adam’s descendants all need a saviour. Abraham’s descendants, children of the promise, also need to repent and turn back to God. John is unworthy to even untie the sandals of Jesus. But when the promised one is ready to begin his ministry, he will not only prove himself to be without sin, he is declared from heaven above to be approved by the Father and the Spirit of God. The second Adam and the true King has come. Prepare the way. Repent and be ready. He comes to baptise with the Spirit and fire. This is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry announced.

Application

• Topic A: Preaching repentance. John’s ministry was to call people to repent and show themselves repentant. The baptism ritual he performed among the people meant nothing unless their lives were turned around. He said that their safety is not in their upbringing or religion but in their hearts being changed. What would you say to someone who says ‘do you mean I can just live as I please but then say sorry to Jesus and he’ll forgive me?’ How can we talk about Jesus as both saviour and judge?
• Topic B: Being repentant. Review the ways John preached to the crowds in verses 10 to 14 and discuss some modern equivalents to these applications. Which hits home to you?
  • “Share” Verse 11
  • “Fair” Verse 13
  • “Care” Verse 14
  • “Beware [of envy, greed or covetousness]” Verse 14
• Topic C: Placing Jesus both in history and above humanity. We see in this passage that Jesus is both a son of Adam and the Son of God. John himself was unworthy to treat him as an equal. Consider how we describe and talk about Jesus and even how you talk to him. Are there helpful and unhelpful ways that we talk of Jesus in conversation and in prayer?

Prayer of the Week

Father in heaven and Lord of all the nations, hear us in the name of Jesus that we may turn back to you, living lives worthy of repentance and acknowledge Jesus as the true king. Thank you that your word is trustworthy and your Son is righteous in every way. Please accept our prayers and service to you in His name. Amen.

Didn’t you know…?

Context

We come to the last account of Jesus’ childhood years and the end of chapter 2 of Luke. We’ve listened to Gabriel announce to Mary that Israel’s king and saviour is coming (1:26ff). We read of the yet-to-be-born John bouncing in Elizabeth’s womb because he was in the presence of the yet-to-be-born Jesus (1:39ff)! We’ve listened to Mary respond with songs of praise for all that God has done, all that he promises to do and all that he is fulfilling in her time (1:46ff). We pictured a night sky lit up by angels singing glory to God (2:8ff). The shepherds who witnessed this then raced to Bethlehem to see the baby born and spread the word of this child. Mary and Joseph heard what the shepherds said about their baby and Mary treasured all of these things in her heart and pondered them (2:19). Mary and Joseph presented Jesus to the Lord and watched as a devout Jew named Simeon took Jesus and praised God for sending his salvation and light into the world. Jesus’ parents marveled at what was said about him (2:33). Simeon then prophesied to Mary concerning her and her son (2:34-35). Lastly, Anna the prophet spoke in the presence of Mary and Joseph about this special child who will bring redemption to Jerusalem (2:36-38). We arrive now at the final instalment of Mary and Joseph with Jesus as a child.

Observation

Structure

• 41-43 Open scene – The annual family visit to Jerusalem
• 43-45 The lost child
• 46-48 Finding Jesus
• 49-50 The lost parents
• 51-52 Close scene – Jesus: Bloke Worth Watching

41-43 Open Scene – the annual family visit to Jerusalem

“Every year…Festival of the Passover” Deuteronomy 16:1-8 describes the essential why and how of Passover. It is an annual celebration remembering the rescue of the Jews from Egypt (see Exodus 12). An animal is to be sacrificed and eaten along with unleavened bread. Verse 5 and 6 “Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem…” Deuteronomy 16:5-6 make it clear that you may not choose anywhere to celebrate the Passover but only in the place that God chooses for his name to dwell. This was wherever the Tabernacle was while in the wilderness and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

“When he was twelve years old…” This verse simply gives us a timeline reference. It was the family’s custom to do this and this was the twelfth or thirteenth time they had done this with Jesus. The story is giving us nothing unusual for Joseph’s family at this point. Nothing to see here.

“…while his parents were returning home…” Note the word ‘parents’ here used instead of their names since this is a theme of this story. Compare with the use of the word ‘son’ in verse 48.

“…the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem…” Here is where the story takes a turn. It was their custom to go home once the festival was over and they surely would have talked as a family with the knowledge that this was the plan. Being a twelve year old boy, Jesus would have presumably had some level of independence within the family structure. Meaning that he can dress himself and feed himself and organise himself to be ready when the time to leave is at hand.

43-45 The lost child

“…but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company…” This is the problem in the story structure. And it will turn out to be a clue to the reason for this story being included in the gospel. Jesus is destined to shake up Israel and Mary and Joseph have been reminded of this for twelve years now. This statement of being unaware of his absence means what it says but it will lead us to the lesson of not presuming we have Jesus all worked out. This lesson will expand as the story continues.

“…they travelled for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.” Mary and Joseph travelled for so long because they had the impression that Jesus was somewhere in the caravan of travellers.

“When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him.” It appears like just a transitional sentence to tell us what they did next but in the detail is the message that Joseph and Mary still have no clue where they think he should be. We will forgive them for their lack of knowledge since we would probably have been just as vague as they were but the story is telling us that they have narrowed his search down to an entire city.

46-48 Finding Jesus

“After three days they found him in the temple courts…” Supporting the previous paragraph. They either spent three days walking around Jerusalem seeking him or it was the third day since they left Jerusalem. Either way, they spent more than 48 hours looking around Jerusalem for their son. This must have been traumatic for them. But again, the main point and meaning of this passage will not be about the disobedience of Jesus but of Jesus beginning to separate from his parents in preparation for serving his heavenly Father. Three days does make me think of the resurrection but perhaps a stretch to make too much out of that. It is better to say that it is a familiar bible narrative technique that resolution or answers are found on the third day.

“…the temple courts…” Lookup any study bible for an image of the temple in Jerusalem to visualise the temple courts which surrounded the temple proper. These were gathering places for schools and debates. It is a practical place to meet in relation to worship, teaching and Jewish life without venturing into the more inner sanctified areas of the temple.

“…sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed…” It’s a wonderful picture of Jesus discussing all manner of things with the teachers of the law (Old Testament teachers) without quarrel. How amazing it was for a little child to interact with Israel’s teachers 18 years before Jesus began his public ministry. He asked questions and gave replies also. His manner seems to be of reflective listening and gently pointing out clearer understandings of the Old Testament. What we must gather from this is not only a superior mind for understanding but also a growing mind which is putting things together. Questions about Jesus’ personal development come to mind and they are questions we can only guess at. It is likely that he learned just as all of us do, however, he grew in his understanding of who he is. What of Jesus’ omnipotence as God you might ask? This is part of the humiliation of God in becoming man. While eternally God, he became man and had to learn as we do.

“When his parents saw him, they were astonished.” What was it that astonished them? We may think it is where they found him or that he was interacting so intelligently and on par with the mature teachers but the answer is probably to do with finding him apparently unaware that he has been missed.

“Son, why have you treated us like this?” Finally we come to some spoken words in the story and this is where we usually find the author’s purpose. They call him son which is a fact but reminds the reader that they are parenting Jesus. That is, it reminds us that the subject of this story is about Jesus’ relationship to his parents and how he begins to separate from them. Now, they are baffled as to why Jesus would simply abandon their side and not even be concerned about reuniting with them. Mary and Joseph have been his parents for twelve years and were not preparing themselves for what God sent him to earth to do.

“Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” Again, the relationship of father and son or parent and son is central to this story.

49-50 The lost parents

“Why were you searching for me?” Jesus asks a question which does sound a bit rude to the people who have raised him. But while the story has shown us Jesus physically separated from Mary and Joseph, we now hear his language in separating in his identity from them. This would be a difficult process for Joseph and Mary to begin to go through but it was always a burden that they would one day bear and it is gracious for God to begin to teach them this lesson 18 years before he eventually departs from them.

“Didn’t you know…?” Clearly they didn’t know. The day will come, Mary, when your son will have to do what he was destined to do. As Simeon said, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed and a sword will pierce your own soul too (2:34-35).”

“…I had to be in my Father’s house?” It is a strange conclusion to think that his parents ought to know this. But while his parents did not expect this for a second, it is no less the truth and they are learning this lesson today. Jesus’ true Father is the Almighty God who blessed Israel and declared to dwell with them in this temple. To show that Jesus was not a new religion but a fulfillment of the old, this is where Yahweh will come to teach and bring people into God’s kingdom.

“But they did not understand what he was saying to them.” Well, this is going to happen a lot to the audiences of Jesus. He was not just an amazing man who stood out from the crowd. Rather, he is from out of this world and the things he had to say did not so much as critique the words of others but rebuke and correct and challenge everything about what we had formally known. It is true for every Christian as we read God’s word that we often do not see clearly what is being said to us straight away.

This story is not so much about Jesus being in the Temple nor is it a cute insight into the early days of Jesus but is a lesson for Mary and Joseph to be prepared for their boy to go away.

51-52 Close scene – Jesus: Bloke Worth Watching

“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.” We see here the compassion and patience of our Lord to humbly follow Mary and Joseph and respect them as he continues to grow. What a little image of Jesus’ humility! How often is it that you choose to humble yourself out of love and submit to someone whom you know to be misguided?

“But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” I do wonder whether Luke had direct access to Mary to research his work in these two opening chapters. We have been told frequently about what Mary saw, or heard and treasured and pondered (eg, 2:19). At the end of this story, we see the lesson is for Mary and Joseph to expect Jesus to be here for his heavenly Father’s purposes and yet the story closes with Mary still pondering it all. While Jesus submitted to Mary to follow her home, the events of this story did not get lost on her.

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” We do not have any further credible accounts of Jesus’ growing years but for this simple summary statement. The Son of God grew up in the household of two imperfect parents such that God [the Father] blessed him and his fellow man respected him. As Christians, we shall expect suffering and some level of persecution and feel like fish swimming against the flow but there is no reason we cannot impress our fellow man through love and charity, patience and kindness, patience and love. Jesus was the perfect human – and this is necessary for his sacrifice to mean anything.

Meaning

The son of Joseph and Mary was destined to lead Israel into the true kingdom of God. He called the Temple of God his Father’s house. He displayed an amazing understanding of the word of God. He grew into an impressive man of God in every way. But Mary and Joseph must be ready to let their son be exactly who he is. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” We can be impressed by Jesus. We can boast that he is for us. But we cannot restrain him or presume to tame him.

Application

• Topic A: The difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus. It is one thing to be an expert in the gospels and the rest of the bible but quite another level to know God and know Jesus. Meditating on God’s word rather than simply reading it and moving on is one way of growing in this way. Becoming engaged beyond knowing the content of the bible and to grow and awe and wonder at the person who stands behind it all.
• Topic B: Growing in Christian maturity. Similar to the first application point but pushing the idea of not settling with what you know. Mary and Joseph had become accustomed to their relationship with Jesus and seemed almost to assume it would stay that way. Christians will grow in their relationship with God when they bring God into every conscious aspect of their life. We will continue to learn to relate to him in the way that he deserves and not simply in the way that we would like to.
• Topic C: Being clear about what is important in life. Jesus knew his destiny was in bringing the light of God and salvation to the world and yet he showed great patience and humility to do this. It is not enough for us to know what we need to do but also how we do it! While Jesus was in the right to abandon his earthly parents, he chose to submit to them for a while longer. This is not an invitation to simply cruise through life waiting for things to happen for us but to see the balance between knowing and discovering our work and then pursuing it with grace and wisdom.

Prayer of the Week

Heavenly Father, thank you for all that we know about Jesus, your Son, our Saviour and Lord. Please help us to follow him, to know him and to love him. We praise you for the patience you have with us as we struggle to understand exactly who you are and what you plan for us to do. Amen.