Jesus in His Father's House
Session
4
Jesus in His Father’s House THEOLOGICAL THEME: As a boy, Jesus demonstrated His commitment to
God’s law and to the mission His Father gave Him.
The Bible gives us just one precious window into the childhood of Jesus. But why this story? And why does it center on Jesus at the temple? When you consider all of the events Luke could have recounted, including the death of Jesus’ adoptive father, Joseph, or Jesus’ career as a carpenter or His relationship with His brothers, we wonder: Why does Luke give us this story and not others? What is so important about Jesus’ boyhood visit to the temple? Is it difficult for you to imagine what Jesus’ life was like as a child? Why or why not?
Voices from the Church “He, whose extended family would one day stand and watch him from a distance (Luke 23:49), stands in a much closer relationship to Another, as he is quick to inform his parents (2:49)… His parents must learn to live with the fact that he, their son, is a stranger and guest in their home, for he is under orders from Another.” 1 –Paul John Isaak
What aspects of Jesus’ childhood are most intriguing to you?
Date of My Bible Study:
______________________________
© 2017 LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute within the license agreement with purchaser.
37
In this session we see Jesus’ zealous love for God’s Word. As a young boy visiting the temple, Jesus asked questions and gave answers to the religious leaders. In response to His parents, who misunderstood Him, Jesus declared that He was involved in His Father’s work. Here we see Jesus as a fully human boy yet totally devoted to His Father and submissive to His earthly parents. As we join Jesus in being about His Father’s work, we too are called to grow in wisdom and obedience as we showcase His glory.
1. Jesus learned and loved God’s law (Luke 2:40-47). Jesus grew up in Galilee among Jewish people who were marginal in their observance of God’s law. In contrast, the Jews in the South, in Judea, were more scrupulous in their observance of the law. Even though Jesus’ family lived among marginal, nominal Jews, they were faithful to the law of God. As an example, Luke told us that Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover—a long, ten-day walk from Galilee. The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him. 41 Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival. 43 After those days were over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming he was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for 45 him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search 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 those who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 40
38
Personal Study Guide
There comes a time in every child’s life when they must choose to make the faith of their parents their own. We have seen that Joseph and Mary were careful to observe the Torah, even when it involved an arduous journey to Jerusalem. Perhaps this was that moment in Jesus’ life, when the Son of God recognized His special calling. Jesus had traveled with His parents every year to Jerusalem, and He had entered God’s house along with them. But now He realized that it was His Father’s house in a unique way. (The next time we see Him in the temple, He will be risking life and limb for the purity of His Father’s house when He expels the merchants from the courts.) Did you grow up in a home with religious instruction? If so, what was it like?
How does that experience influence the way you see your responsibility to your own family?
Mary and Joseph’s group left for Galilee and traveled one day before anyone noticed Jesus was gone. Apparently, they then turned around and walked another day back to the city. They spent the third day looking all over for Jesus. Imagine their relief when they returned to the temple court and found the young boy sitting with the teachers, absorbed in listening to their teaching. When He returns as a young rabbi, Jesus will use the same area of the temple court for His own teaching (Matt. 21:14,23; 26:55; Luke 19:45). If you look closely at the text, you will notice that Jesus was not simply teaching the elders, as the Renaissance paintings often depict. Luke says He was “listening to them” and “asking them questions,” as was His right as a 12-year-old boy. He was of the age where he was expected to interact with adults in matters of the Torah. But verse 47 also tells us those who were there were “astounded” at the understanding Jesus displayed in His answers. Obviously, He was fully engaged in the discussion, asking questions and answering them as well.
Session 4
39
The command in Deuteronomy 6:7 to discuss the law when you “sit,” “walk,” “lie down,” and “get up” was taken very seriously. It was seen as an expression of love for the law, giving yourself to reading and discussing it throughout the day. The young Jesus in the temple displayed this Jewish preoccupation with understanding the Bible. He had seen it in His home and in the synagogue in Nazareth. Now in the holy city, Jerusalem itself, Jesus became a full participant in that aspect of the life of His family. What opportunities should we offer children to listen to and ask questions of the Bible?
2. Jesus was involved in His Father’s work (Luke 2:48-50). When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and 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 them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 48
Mary’s question—“Why have you treated us like this?”—is maternal and thus rings of authenticity. It sounds like any exasperated mother would. The frustration in Mary is matched by the bewilderment in Jesus. He seemed surprised that they would be searching for Him. Jesus did not respond to Mary’s question. Instead, He responded to her second statement, “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” In youthful simplicity, Jesus wondered out loud why they had to search for Him. His answer indicates that He thought it would be clear where He was—in His Father’s house, attending to His Father’s business. There was no negligence or inconsiderate behavior here. Jesus was acting on His own understanding of who He was.
40
Personal Study Guide
At this stage of Jesus’ life, what do you think it meant for Jesus to say He was involved in His Father’s work?
How does our own involvement in our Father’s work grow as we mature physically and spiritually?
Jesus’ family misunderstood His task, but Jesus did not. In fact, in the temple, Jesus displayed a disturbing clarity. He knew precisely where He was supposed to be and what He was supposed to be doing: His Father’s business (see Luke 2:49, KJV). He was engaging with the text of Scripture, together with a community of men who had come together around God’s Word. He did not appear to be dominating the scene; rather, He was asking questions right along with everyone else. The ability to formulate a meaningful question was and still is highly regarded among the rabbis. Often there is more learning in the question than in the answer. Asking intentional and thoughtprovoking questions was a practice Jesus engaged in throughout His ministry. It is a mark of an excellent teacher.
Voices from Church History “One part of His Father’s business was, to send into the world a perfect example for our imitation. God had written [diverse] books of example in the lives of the saints. One man was noted for one virtue, and another for another. At last, God determined that he would gather all his works into one volume, and give a condensation of all virtues in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 –Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
As we come together, a worshipful community around the Word of God, we join in the corporate life that was a part of Jesus’ experience from the beginning. Young people are to be included in the discussions around the Word. Their questions, even though sometimes simple, are to be regarded as serious. In these conversations, we encourage people to join the community of the Word.
Session 4
41
What is the connection between Jesus’ love for God’s Word and His involvement in God’s work?
In what ways do God’s Word and God’s work intersect in your own life?
3. Jesus found favor with God and others (Luke 2:51-52). Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people. 51
Luke wants us to be clear regarding the nature of this incident. Make no doubt about it—Jesus was perfectly obedient to His parents. After all, honoring your parents is the Fifth Commandment (Deut. 5:16). The fact that Jesus was separated from His family was not an act of disobedience but a misunderstanding. Neither was His response to His mother one of belligerence. Being misunderstood is something that will follow Jesus throughout His life. The young boy returned home to Nazareth with His family and remained there as an obedient son, “increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”
42
Personal Study Guide
99 Essential Christian Doctrines 48. Sinlessness of Jesus While the Bible affirms the full humanity of Jesus, it also affirms that Jesus was completely sinless throughout His earthly life (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22). Nevertheless, because Jesus was fully human, He experienced real temptation of sin, as seen during His trials in the wilderness (Matt. 4). Yet even though His trials and temptations were real and similar to the rest of humanity’s, Hebrews 4:15 confirms that Jesus did not sin.
As Jesus participated fully in our human experience, He took part in a believing community as well as a pious family. He progressed in His understanding of the different relationships He had. In all this, Jesus was the perfect paradigm, fully obedient in honoring His father and mother, and thus able to fulfill the law for us in our place. The fact that He was obedient even when misunderstood reminds us that the authority God places over us is not dependent on our own feelings. In obedience to God’s Word, we must honor those whom God has placed in authority over us. When is it difficult for you to show honor to those in authority?
The statement in verse 52 corresponds to the beginning of our story (v. 40). These parallel statements indicate that Jesus grew in wisdom and in favor. The favor Mary first found with God (1:30) was lavished upon Jesus’ life as well. The favor Luke tells us Jesus had with the people would return in the early years of His ministry, when He was hounded by the crowds. But as the popularity of His messianic vision began to erode, Jesus would eventually be left all alone without anyone’s favor as He died on the cross. So often we focus on Jesus “the radical” or Jesus “the stumbling stone.” The fact is, He had close and congenial relationships throughout His life. Beginning here in the temple, where the elders appreciated His first-rate understanding of the Scriptures, Jesus will again and again receive praise from the people who can only say, “No man ever spoke like this!” (John 7:46; cf. Matt. 7:28-29). Jesus’ kindness and compassion, as well as the moving words He spoke, drew men and women to Himself throughout the brief years of His time here on Earth. This is what He had in mind when He encouraged His followers to shine like lights in a darkened world. We are not to hide our light under a basket, just as Jesus did not. Whatever the cost, we must risk gaining favor as Jesus gained favor, by engaging with the Word and with the world around us.
Session 4
43
How is it that we can expect to find favor with the world around us even though we expect to be opposed by the world?
What aspects of Christian character should help us grow in the favor we receive from others?
Conclusion As a grown man, Jesus will come into conflict with the teachers of the law as well as with His own disciples. He was frequently misunderstood and yet never lost sight of God’s call and purpose for His life. We will see that even when Satan put up a direct challenge to His identity in the wilderness, Jesus remained faithful and obedient to His Father. As a 12 year old, He faced the frustration of His parents with the same obedient spirit as they grew in their understanding of His identity and mission.
Voices from the Church “God’s Word to us in the person of Jesus Christ is a reference point, a source of equilibrium, a message of grace, the promise of forgiveness and healing that stands forever, in spite of our failures and sin and brokenness.” 3 –Marva Dawn
And so, you and I, if we have the courage to follow Jesus, will find that like Him we will be misunderstood. Our new identities in Him will be challenged by those around us, even members of our own families. But if we follow His example, empowered by His grace, we too can remain obedient to God’s call on our lives. CHRIST CONNECTION: As Jesus grew, He increased in wisdom and stature
and in favor with God and with people. His life prepared Him step by step to implement the eternal mission He was given by His Father—to die on the cross for our sins and rise again in victory.
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Personal Study Guide
HIS MISSION, YOUR MISSION MISSIONAL APPLICATION: God calls us to grow in wisdom and
obedience as we join Jesus in being about the Father’s work.
1. How can our church better cultivate a love of learning when it comes to God’s Word?
2. W hat are some ways we as a group/church can help others, both young and old, grow in wisdom and obedience to the Father’s will and work?
3. H ow is our honor for those in authority a demonstration of our honor toward God and a support for our message of the gospel of Jesus?
Session 4
45
Notes SESSION 1
SESSION 6
SESSION 9
1. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew, 2, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: First Series, vol. X, ed. Philip Schaff (New York: Cosimo, 2010), 9.
1. Oswald Chambers, in The Quotable Oswald Chambers, comp. and ed. David McCasland [eBook].
1. John Piper, “The Father Has Given All Things into Jesus’ Hands,” Desiring God [online], 31 May 2009 [cited 11 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.desiringgod.org.
2. N. T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013) [WORDsearch]. 3. James Montgomery, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (1821), Hymnary.org [online; cited 22 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.hymnary.org. 4. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew (Nashville: B&H, 2014) [WORDsearch].
SESSION 2 1. Scot McKnight, The Real Mary (Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2007), 6. 2. Oswald Chambers, in The Quotable Oswald Chambers, comp. and ed. David McCasland (Grand Rapids: Oswald Chambers Publications Association, 2008) [eBook]. 3. N. T. Wright, Luke for Everyone (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004) [eBook]. 4. The Talmud of the Land of Israel, Volume 27: Sotah, trans. Jacob Neusner (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1984), 95. 5. Takatemjen, “Luke,” in South Asia Bible Commentary, ed. Brian Wintle (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015) [eBook].
SESSION 3 1. Jerome, On the Nativity of the Lord, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2003), 39. 2. John R. W. Stott, The Incomparable Christ (Downers Grove: IVP, 2001), 37. 3. Skye Jethani, With (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2011), 97. 4. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew [WORDsearch].
SESSION 4 1. Paul John Isaak, “Luke,” in Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010) [eBook]. 2. Charles Spurgeon, “Christ About His Father’s Business,” in The Complete Works of C. H. Spurgeon, vol. 3 (United States: Delmarva Publications, 2013) [eBook]. 3. Marva J. Dawn, To Walk and Not Faint (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 48.
SESSION 5 1. Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (Hutto, TX: WORDsearch, 2012), [WORDsearch]. 2. Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, 10.3, quoted in Matthew 1–13, ed. Manlio Simonetti, vol. Ia in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2014) [WORDsearch]. 3. Tim Stafford, Surprised by Jesus (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 40.
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2. Thomas Watson, “To Think Why You Are Tempted Is a Comfort,” A Puritan Golden Treasury [online], 2016 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: thomaswatsonquotes.com. 3. Adrian Rogers, “How Can I Overcome Temptation?” Love Worth Finding [online], 1 July 2015 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.lwf.org. 4. Matt Chandler, “Luke–Part 11: Temptation 2000 Years Later,” The Village Church [online], 20 January 2008 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.thevillagechurch.net.
SPECIAL SESSION—EASTER 1. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew [WORDsearch]. 2. John Stott, Christ in Conflict, rev. (Downers Grove: IVP, 2013), 56. 3. Hans Hut, “On the Mystery of Baptism (1526),” in Early Anabaptist Spirituality: Selected Writings, ed. Daniel Liechty (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1994), 75.
2. John Wesley, John and Charles Wesley: Selected Writings and Hymns, ed. Frank Whaling (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1981), 139. 3. Augustine, Sermon, 288.2, quoted in John 1–10, ed. Joel C. Elowsky, vol. IVa in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 134. 4. Christopher J. H. Wright, The Mission of God (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 66-67.
SESSION 10 1. A. W. Tozer, in Tozer on Worship and Entertainment, comp. James L. Snyder (Camp Hill, PA: Wing Spread Publishers, 2006) [eBook]. 2. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of John, 2.4, quoted in John 1–10, ed. Joel C. Elowsky, vol. IVa in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 150.
4. Jim Elliot, quoted in Shadow of the Almighty, by Elisabeth Elliot (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1989), 11.
3. Scotty Smith, in Gospel Transformation Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), 1414, n. 4:39-43.
SESSION 7
SESSION 11
1. Ted Traylor, The Eight Callings of God (Bradenton, FL: Outcome Publishing, 2009), 118. 2. Roy B. Zuck, in The Speaker’s Quote Book, by Roy B. Zuck (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2009), 424. 3. Gregory the Great, Forty Gospel Homilies, 5.2, quoted in Matthew 1–13, ed. Manlio Simonetti, vol. Ia in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 73.
1. Paul John Isaak, “John,” in Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo [eBook]. 2. Keith Whitfield, “Jesus’ Teaching,” The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide (Spring 2013): 25. 3. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperOne, 1980), 52. 4. Frank Viola and Leonard Sweet, Jesus: A Theography (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2012), 155-56.
SESSION 8
SESSION 12
1. Basil, On the Holy Spirit, 15.35-36, quoted in We Believe in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, ed. Angelo Di Berardino, vol. 5 in Ancient Christian Doctrine (Downers Grove: IVP, 2010), 104.
1. Augustine, Sermon, 174.3, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 290.
2. Charles Spurgeon, in The Essential Works of Charles Spurgeon, ed. Daniel Partner (Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour, 2009) [eBook]. 3. Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby, Experiencing God Day By Day: Devotional (Nashville: B&H, 2006), 212. 4. Kenneth Keathley, “The Doctrine of Salvation,” in A Theology for the Church, ed. Daniel L. Akin (Nashville: B&H, 2014), 583.
2. W. A. Criswell, “Zacchaeus Come Down,” Criswell Sermon Library [online], 27 July 1969 [cited 15 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: dev.wacriswell.com. 3. Cyprian, Works and Almsgiving, 8, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 292.
About the Writers
The Gospel Project® Adult Personal Study Guide CSB Volume 5, Number 3 Spring 2017 Eric Geiger
Vice President, LifeWay Resources Ed Stetzer
General Editor Trevin Wax
Managing Editor Daniel Davis
Content Editor Josh Hayes
Content and Production Editor Ken Braddy
Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies Michael Kelley
Director, Groups Ministry Send questions/comments to: Managing Editor, The Gospel Project: Adult Personal Study Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102; or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com. Printed in the United States of America The Gospel Project®: Adult Personal Study Guide CSB (ISSN pending; Item 005461524) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2016 LifeWay Christian Resources.
Unit 1: Michael Card has recorded over 37 albums, authored over 25 books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range of magazines. He has penned such favorites as “El Shaddai,” “Love Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanuel.” He has sold more than 4 million albums and written over 19 #1 hits, but the popularity of his work seems a stark contrast to his goal in life—to simply and quietly teach the Bible. Unit 2: D. A. Horton currently serves as a pastor at Reach Fellowship, a church plant in Los Angeles, California, and as the Chief Evangelist for UYWI. He is also working toward his PhD in Applied Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Elicia, have three children, Izabelle, Lola, and Damon Jr (aka Duce). Special Session—Easter: Richard R. Melick Jr. serves as a Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Affiliated Faculty, at Gateway Seminary. He is a consulting editor for The New American Commentary, for which he also contributed the volume Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. He and his wife, Shera, coauthored Teaching That Transforms. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, email [email protected], fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email [email protected], fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2016 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
WRITERS
4
Jesus in His Father’s House THEOLOGICAL THEME: As a boy, Jesus demonstrated His commitment to
God’s law and to the mission His Father gave Him.
The Bible gives us just one precious window into the childhood of Jesus. But why this story? And why does it center on Jesus at the temple? When you consider all of the events Luke could have recounted, including the death of Jesus’ adoptive father, Joseph, or Jesus’ career as a carpenter or His relationship with His brothers, we wonder: Why does Luke give us this story and not others? What is so important about Jesus’ boyhood visit to the temple? Is it difficult for you to imagine what Jesus’ life was like as a child? Why or why not?
Voices from the Church “He, whose extended family would one day stand and watch him from a distance (Luke 23:49), stands in a much closer relationship to Another, as he is quick to inform his parents (2:49)… His parents must learn to live with the fact that he, their son, is a stranger and guest in their home, for he is under orders from Another.” 1 –Paul John Isaak
What aspects of Jesus’ childhood are most intriguing to you?
Date of My Bible Study:
______________________________
© 2017 LifeWay Christian Resources. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute within the license agreement with purchaser.
37
In this session we see Jesus’ zealous love for God’s Word. As a young boy visiting the temple, Jesus asked questions and gave answers to the religious leaders. In response to His parents, who misunderstood Him, Jesus declared that He was involved in His Father’s work. Here we see Jesus as a fully human boy yet totally devoted to His Father and submissive to His earthly parents. As we join Jesus in being about His Father’s work, we too are called to grow in wisdom and obedience as we showcase His glory.
1. Jesus learned and loved God’s law (Luke 2:40-47). Jesus grew up in Galilee among Jewish people who were marginal in their observance of God’s law. In contrast, the Jews in the South, in Judea, were more scrupulous in their observance of the law. Even though Jesus’ family lived among marginal, nominal Jews, they were faithful to the law of God. As an example, Luke told us that Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover—a long, ten-day walk from Galilee. The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him. 41 Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival. 43 After those days were over, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44 Assuming he was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for 45 him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search 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 those who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 40
38
Personal Study Guide
There comes a time in every child’s life when they must choose to make the faith of their parents their own. We have seen that Joseph and Mary were careful to observe the Torah, even when it involved an arduous journey to Jerusalem. Perhaps this was that moment in Jesus’ life, when the Son of God recognized His special calling. Jesus had traveled with His parents every year to Jerusalem, and He had entered God’s house along with them. But now He realized that it was His Father’s house in a unique way. (The next time we see Him in the temple, He will be risking life and limb for the purity of His Father’s house when He expels the merchants from the courts.) Did you grow up in a home with religious instruction? If so, what was it like?
How does that experience influence the way you see your responsibility to your own family?
Mary and Joseph’s group left for Galilee and traveled one day before anyone noticed Jesus was gone. Apparently, they then turned around and walked another day back to the city. They spent the third day looking all over for Jesus. Imagine their relief when they returned to the temple court and found the young boy sitting with the teachers, absorbed in listening to their teaching. When He returns as a young rabbi, Jesus will use the same area of the temple court for His own teaching (Matt. 21:14,23; 26:55; Luke 19:45). If you look closely at the text, you will notice that Jesus was not simply teaching the elders, as the Renaissance paintings often depict. Luke says He was “listening to them” and “asking them questions,” as was His right as a 12-year-old boy. He was of the age where he was expected to interact with adults in matters of the Torah. But verse 47 also tells us those who were there were “astounded” at the understanding Jesus displayed in His answers. Obviously, He was fully engaged in the discussion, asking questions and answering them as well.
Session 4
39
The command in Deuteronomy 6:7 to discuss the law when you “sit,” “walk,” “lie down,” and “get up” was taken very seriously. It was seen as an expression of love for the law, giving yourself to reading and discussing it throughout the day. The young Jesus in the temple displayed this Jewish preoccupation with understanding the Bible. He had seen it in His home and in the synagogue in Nazareth. Now in the holy city, Jerusalem itself, Jesus became a full participant in that aspect of the life of His family. What opportunities should we offer children to listen to and ask questions of the Bible?
2. Jesus was involved in His Father’s work (Luke 2:48-50). When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and 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 them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 48
Mary’s question—“Why have you treated us like this?”—is maternal and thus rings of authenticity. It sounds like any exasperated mother would. The frustration in Mary is matched by the bewilderment in Jesus. He seemed surprised that they would be searching for Him. Jesus did not respond to Mary’s question. Instead, He responded to her second statement, “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” In youthful simplicity, Jesus wondered out loud why they had to search for Him. His answer indicates that He thought it would be clear where He was—in His Father’s house, attending to His Father’s business. There was no negligence or inconsiderate behavior here. Jesus was acting on His own understanding of who He was.
40
Personal Study Guide
At this stage of Jesus’ life, what do you think it meant for Jesus to say He was involved in His Father’s work?
How does our own involvement in our Father’s work grow as we mature physically and spiritually?
Jesus’ family misunderstood His task, but Jesus did not. In fact, in the temple, Jesus displayed a disturbing clarity. He knew precisely where He was supposed to be and what He was supposed to be doing: His Father’s business (see Luke 2:49, KJV). He was engaging with the text of Scripture, together with a community of men who had come together around God’s Word. He did not appear to be dominating the scene; rather, He was asking questions right along with everyone else. The ability to formulate a meaningful question was and still is highly regarded among the rabbis. Often there is more learning in the question than in the answer. Asking intentional and thoughtprovoking questions was a practice Jesus engaged in throughout His ministry. It is a mark of an excellent teacher.
Voices from Church History “One part of His Father’s business was, to send into the world a perfect example for our imitation. God had written [diverse] books of example in the lives of the saints. One man was noted for one virtue, and another for another. At last, God determined that he would gather all his works into one volume, and give a condensation of all virtues in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 –Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)
As we come together, a worshipful community around the Word of God, we join in the corporate life that was a part of Jesus’ experience from the beginning. Young people are to be included in the discussions around the Word. Their questions, even though sometimes simple, are to be regarded as serious. In these conversations, we encourage people to join the community of the Word.
Session 4
41
What is the connection between Jesus’ love for God’s Word and His involvement in God’s work?
In what ways do God’s Word and God’s work intersect in your own life?
3. Jesus found favor with God and others (Luke 2:51-52). Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people. 51
Luke wants us to be clear regarding the nature of this incident. Make no doubt about it—Jesus was perfectly obedient to His parents. After all, honoring your parents is the Fifth Commandment (Deut. 5:16). The fact that Jesus was separated from His family was not an act of disobedience but a misunderstanding. Neither was His response to His mother one of belligerence. Being misunderstood is something that will follow Jesus throughout His life. The young boy returned home to Nazareth with His family and remained there as an obedient son, “increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”
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99 Essential Christian Doctrines 48. Sinlessness of Jesus While the Bible affirms the full humanity of Jesus, it also affirms that Jesus was completely sinless throughout His earthly life (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22). Nevertheless, because Jesus was fully human, He experienced real temptation of sin, as seen during His trials in the wilderness (Matt. 4). Yet even though His trials and temptations were real and similar to the rest of humanity’s, Hebrews 4:15 confirms that Jesus did not sin.
As Jesus participated fully in our human experience, He took part in a believing community as well as a pious family. He progressed in His understanding of the different relationships He had. In all this, Jesus was the perfect paradigm, fully obedient in honoring His father and mother, and thus able to fulfill the law for us in our place. The fact that He was obedient even when misunderstood reminds us that the authority God places over us is not dependent on our own feelings. In obedience to God’s Word, we must honor those whom God has placed in authority over us. When is it difficult for you to show honor to those in authority?
The statement in verse 52 corresponds to the beginning of our story (v. 40). These parallel statements indicate that Jesus grew in wisdom and in favor. The favor Mary first found with God (1:30) was lavished upon Jesus’ life as well. The favor Luke tells us Jesus had with the people would return in the early years of His ministry, when He was hounded by the crowds. But as the popularity of His messianic vision began to erode, Jesus would eventually be left all alone without anyone’s favor as He died on the cross. So often we focus on Jesus “the radical” or Jesus “the stumbling stone.” The fact is, He had close and congenial relationships throughout His life. Beginning here in the temple, where the elders appreciated His first-rate understanding of the Scriptures, Jesus will again and again receive praise from the people who can only say, “No man ever spoke like this!” (John 7:46; cf. Matt. 7:28-29). Jesus’ kindness and compassion, as well as the moving words He spoke, drew men and women to Himself throughout the brief years of His time here on Earth. This is what He had in mind when He encouraged His followers to shine like lights in a darkened world. We are not to hide our light under a basket, just as Jesus did not. Whatever the cost, we must risk gaining favor as Jesus gained favor, by engaging with the Word and with the world around us.
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How is it that we can expect to find favor with the world around us even though we expect to be opposed by the world?
What aspects of Christian character should help us grow in the favor we receive from others?
Conclusion As a grown man, Jesus will come into conflict with the teachers of the law as well as with His own disciples. He was frequently misunderstood and yet never lost sight of God’s call and purpose for His life. We will see that even when Satan put up a direct challenge to His identity in the wilderness, Jesus remained faithful and obedient to His Father. As a 12 year old, He faced the frustration of His parents with the same obedient spirit as they grew in their understanding of His identity and mission.
Voices from the Church “God’s Word to us in the person of Jesus Christ is a reference point, a source of equilibrium, a message of grace, the promise of forgiveness and healing that stands forever, in spite of our failures and sin and brokenness.” 3 –Marva Dawn
And so, you and I, if we have the courage to follow Jesus, will find that like Him we will be misunderstood. Our new identities in Him will be challenged by those around us, even members of our own families. But if we follow His example, empowered by His grace, we too can remain obedient to God’s call on our lives. CHRIST CONNECTION: As Jesus grew, He increased in wisdom and stature
and in favor with God and with people. His life prepared Him step by step to implement the eternal mission He was given by His Father—to die on the cross for our sins and rise again in victory.
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HIS MISSION, YOUR MISSION MISSIONAL APPLICATION: God calls us to grow in wisdom and
obedience as we join Jesus in being about the Father’s work.
1. How can our church better cultivate a love of learning when it comes to God’s Word?
2. W hat are some ways we as a group/church can help others, both young and old, grow in wisdom and obedience to the Father’s will and work?
3. H ow is our honor for those in authority a demonstration of our honor toward God and a support for our message of the gospel of Jesus?
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Notes SESSION 1
SESSION 6
SESSION 9
1. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew, 2, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: First Series, vol. X, ed. Philip Schaff (New York: Cosimo, 2010), 9.
1. Oswald Chambers, in The Quotable Oswald Chambers, comp. and ed. David McCasland [eBook].
1. John Piper, “The Father Has Given All Things into Jesus’ Hands,” Desiring God [online], 31 May 2009 [cited 11 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.desiringgod.org.
2. N. T. Wright, Matthew for Everyone, Part 1 (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013) [WORDsearch]. 3. James Montgomery, “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” (1821), Hymnary.org [online; cited 22 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.hymnary.org. 4. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew (Nashville: B&H, 2014) [WORDsearch].
SESSION 2 1. Scot McKnight, The Real Mary (Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2007), 6. 2. Oswald Chambers, in The Quotable Oswald Chambers, comp. and ed. David McCasland (Grand Rapids: Oswald Chambers Publications Association, 2008) [eBook]. 3. N. T. Wright, Luke for Everyone (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004) [eBook]. 4. The Talmud of the Land of Israel, Volume 27: Sotah, trans. Jacob Neusner (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1984), 95. 5. Takatemjen, “Luke,” in South Asia Bible Commentary, ed. Brian Wintle (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015) [eBook].
SESSION 3 1. Jerome, On the Nativity of the Lord, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2003), 39. 2. John R. W. Stott, The Incomparable Christ (Downers Grove: IVP, 2001), 37. 3. Skye Jethani, With (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2011), 97. 4. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew [WORDsearch].
SESSION 4 1. Paul John Isaak, “Luke,” in Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010) [eBook]. 2. Charles Spurgeon, “Christ About His Father’s Business,” in The Complete Works of C. H. Spurgeon, vol. 3 (United States: Delmarva Publications, 2013) [eBook]. 3. Marva J. Dawn, To Walk and Not Faint (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 48.
SESSION 5 1. Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (Hutto, TX: WORDsearch, 2012), [WORDsearch]. 2. Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, 10.3, quoted in Matthew 1–13, ed. Manlio Simonetti, vol. Ia in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2014) [WORDsearch]. 3. Tim Stafford, Surprised by Jesus (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 40.
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2. Thomas Watson, “To Think Why You Are Tempted Is a Comfort,” A Puritan Golden Treasury [online], 2016 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: thomaswatsonquotes.com. 3. Adrian Rogers, “How Can I Overcome Temptation?” Love Worth Finding [online], 1 July 2015 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.lwf.org. 4. Matt Chandler, “Luke–Part 11: Temptation 2000 Years Later,” The Village Church [online], 20 January 2008 [cited 2 August 2016]. Available from the Internet: www.thevillagechurch.net.
SPECIAL SESSION—EASTER 1. David Platt, Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Matthew [WORDsearch]. 2. John Stott, Christ in Conflict, rev. (Downers Grove: IVP, 2013), 56. 3. Hans Hut, “On the Mystery of Baptism (1526),” in Early Anabaptist Spirituality: Selected Writings, ed. Daniel Liechty (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1994), 75.
2. John Wesley, John and Charles Wesley: Selected Writings and Hymns, ed. Frank Whaling (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1981), 139. 3. Augustine, Sermon, 288.2, quoted in John 1–10, ed. Joel C. Elowsky, vol. IVa in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 134. 4. Christopher J. H. Wright, The Mission of God (Downers Grove: IVP, 2006), 66-67.
SESSION 10 1. A. W. Tozer, in Tozer on Worship and Entertainment, comp. James L. Snyder (Camp Hill, PA: Wing Spread Publishers, 2006) [eBook]. 2. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of John, 2.4, quoted in John 1–10, ed. Joel C. Elowsky, vol. IVa in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 150.
4. Jim Elliot, quoted in Shadow of the Almighty, by Elisabeth Elliot (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1989), 11.
3. Scotty Smith, in Gospel Transformation Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 2013), 1414, n. 4:39-43.
SESSION 7
SESSION 11
1. Ted Traylor, The Eight Callings of God (Bradenton, FL: Outcome Publishing, 2009), 118. 2. Roy B. Zuck, in The Speaker’s Quote Book, by Roy B. Zuck (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2009), 424. 3. Gregory the Great, Forty Gospel Homilies, 5.2, quoted in Matthew 1–13, ed. Manlio Simonetti, vol. Ia in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 73.
1. Paul John Isaak, “John,” in Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo [eBook]. 2. Keith Whitfield, “Jesus’ Teaching,” The Gospel Project: Adult Leader Guide (Spring 2013): 25. 3. C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: HarperOne, 1980), 52. 4. Frank Viola and Leonard Sweet, Jesus: A Theography (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2012), 155-56.
SESSION 8
SESSION 12
1. Basil, On the Holy Spirit, 15.35-36, quoted in We Believe in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, ed. Angelo Di Berardino, vol. 5 in Ancient Christian Doctrine (Downers Grove: IVP, 2010), 104.
1. Augustine, Sermon, 174.3, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 290.
2. Charles Spurgeon, in The Essential Works of Charles Spurgeon, ed. Daniel Partner (Uhrichsville, OH: Barbour, 2009) [eBook]. 3. Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby, Experiencing God Day By Day: Devotional (Nashville: B&H, 2006), 212. 4. Kenneth Keathley, “The Doctrine of Salvation,” in A Theology for the Church, ed. Daniel L. Akin (Nashville: B&H, 2014), 583.
2. W. A. Criswell, “Zacchaeus Come Down,” Criswell Sermon Library [online], 27 July 1969 [cited 15 July 2016]. Available from the Internet: dev.wacriswell.com. 3. Cyprian, Works and Almsgiving, 8, quoted in Luke, ed. Arthur A. Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: New Testament, 292.
About the Writers
The Gospel Project® Adult Personal Study Guide CSB Volume 5, Number 3 Spring 2017 Eric Geiger
Vice President, LifeWay Resources Ed Stetzer
General Editor Trevin Wax
Managing Editor Daniel Davis
Content Editor Josh Hayes
Content and Production Editor Ken Braddy
Manager, Adult Ongoing Bible Studies Michael Kelley
Director, Groups Ministry Send questions/comments to: Managing Editor, The Gospel Project: Adult Personal Study Guide, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0102; or make comments on the Web at www.lifeway.com. Printed in the United States of America The Gospel Project®: Adult Personal Study Guide CSB (ISSN pending; Item 005461524) is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian Resources, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Thom S. Rainer, President. © 2016 LifeWay Christian Resources.
Unit 1: Michael Card has recorded over 37 albums, authored over 25 books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range of magazines. He has penned such favorites as “El Shaddai,” “Love Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanuel.” He has sold more than 4 million albums and written over 19 #1 hits, but the popularity of his work seems a stark contrast to his goal in life—to simply and quietly teach the Bible. Unit 2: D. A. Horton currently serves as a pastor at Reach Fellowship, a church plant in Los Angeles, California, and as the Chief Evangelist for UYWI. He is also working toward his PhD in Applied Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Elicia, have three children, Izabelle, Lola, and Damon Jr (aka Duce). Special Session—Easter: Richard R. Melick Jr. serves as a Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Affiliated Faculty, at Gateway Seminary. He is a consulting editor for The New American Commentary, for which he also contributed the volume Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. He and his wife, Shera, coauthored Teaching That Transforms. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
For ordering or inquiries, visit www.lifeway.com, or write LifeWay Resources Customer Service, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0113. For subscriptions or subscription address changes, email [email protected], fax (615) 251-5818, or write to the above address. For bulk shipments mailed quarterly to one address, email [email protected], fax (615) 251-5933, or write to the above address. We believe that the Bible has God for its author; salvation for its end; and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter and that all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. To review LifeWay’s doctrinal guideline, please visit www.lifeway.com/doctrinalguideline. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2016 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
WRITERS
