CHRISTMAS (6)

THE BOY JESUS IN THE TEMPLE

Luke 2:39-52

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Returns to Nazareth

³⁹ When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. ⁴⁰ And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Jesus Celebrates the Passover

⁴¹ Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. ⁴² When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. ⁴³ After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. ⁴⁴ Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵ When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. ⁴⁸ When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

⁴⁹ “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” ⁵⁰ But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Jesus Grows in Wisdom

⁵¹ Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. ⁵² And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

There are seventeen explicit references to the Holy Spirit in Luke, stressing His activity both in the life of Jesus and in the continuing ministry of the church.

    First, the Holy Spirit’s action is seen in the lives of various faithful people connected with the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (1:35,41,67; 2:25-27), as well as in the fact that John fulfilled his ministry under the anointing of the Holy Spirit (1:15). The same Spirit enabled Jesus to carry out His messianic role.

2:40 Luke emphasizes the complete humanity of Jesus.

2:41 Jewish law required that males attend the feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles (ex.23:14-17, Deut.16:16).

2:42 At the age of 12 a Jewish boy became "a son of the Law" and began to observe the requirements of the Law.

2:44 Company: Villagers who made pilgrimages to Jerusalem usually traveled in caravans, with women and children in the front. Each parent thought Jesus was with the other.

2:49 Jesus shows an awareness of His unique relationship to the Father, as well as a consciousness of His mission.

2:51 Even as the Son of God, Jesus remained under the care and of His earthly parents.

Playwright Janet Irene Thomas

Founder/President/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

info@biblestoriestheatre.org