Daily Devotional Wednesday 30th December 2020
by William MoodyLuke 2:39–52
The Return to Nazareth
39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents1 saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”2 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature3 and in favor with God and man.
(ESV)
Here we have a glimpse into the childhood of Jesus. The first thing we see here is that Mary and Joseph lost sight of Christ (v43-45). This is a real danger in the Christian life. Due to busyness or simply by taking for granted that we think Jesus is nearby, we can allow our relationship to drift. Are you close to Christ or are you drifting in your walk?
Next we notice here the wisdom of Christ (v46-47). It is hard to understand how the two natures of Christ, His human and His Divine work together. Jesus had no ordinary knowledge, yet He asked, as He longed to know more and develop as a person. Are you developing in your knowledge of Christ?
The final thing we see here is the priority of Jesus (v49)? Jesus appears to be astonished that Mary and Joseph didn’t know where to find Him. Important as His earthly parents were, they did not compare to the importance of His heavenly Father. We need to love earthly parents greatly, but our love for God should be so intense that it is far beyond our devotion to them.
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