Rites of Passage

Rites of Passage Galatians 4 When does a boy become a man? In our world, matters as basic as what it means to be male or female are becoming increasingly confusing. An ever-increasing number of people think traditional expectations about gender are limiting, intolerant, oppressive and archaic. The media, culture, and education systems all add to the confusion. As we look around, we see men in perpetual boyhood and staying there into their 30’s and beyond. With the ever-increasing feminization of society, we need to remember God created them male and female for his glory and our good. Rites of passage mark the passing from one phase of life to another, you were a boy and now you are a man. According to Jewish law, at the age of thirteen, a boy becomes accountable for his actions. The boy’s family will pick a date. Since the entire Torah is read aloud every year in the temple, the date selected will determine the specific portions of the Torah that will be read on that day. The boy sets out to learn how to read that portion from the Torah, in Hebrew, not an easy task because the text has no vowels. As the date arrives (usually a year), the cantor will invite the student to the temple for a rehearsal. He goes through the entire service so he knows where to sit, when and where to stand. What Torah they will use and how to carry it. On the day selected, everyone is well dressed and attends services as normal. At the appropriate time, the cantor motions to the boy to step up on the raised platform (Beema) and take his place as prayers are said before the opening of the ark. The boy opens the ark, Selects the Torah, carries it to a podium and removes the cover. He then takes a small silver pointer to follow along where he is reading. After he is finished, prayers are given and he helps put the Torah away. In some cases, he gets the honor of carrying the covered Torah through the room allowing the congregants to pay their respects to the Torah. Then he sits while the Rabbi gives his remarks. He stands up and gives a homily on the portion of the Torah he read (in Hebrew). The student and family return to their normal seats and the service concludes normally. Then the party begins. If you happen to be in Jerusalem when various synagogues have their bar mitzvah in the area adjacent to the western wall, you will be able to observe several young men, reading the Torah, going through the ceremony. Women are not allowed in that area so they, along with us had to observe the process from afar. The rite for a young Roman involved shaving his beard and taking off his bulla, an amulet worn as a locket given to him nine days after birth, sacrifice their toys and put on the toga virilis (toga of manhood) was enrolled as a citizen on the census and soon began military service. Paul’s use of a child coming of age was understood by both the Jew and Gentile. While the child was under age, families would entrust them to handpicked slaves to be their guardian and tutor. Their situation was much like that of a slave, having masters over them. But, at a set date by the father, the child’s life changed dramatically as he became a responsible adult and citizen. He was no longer simply an “heir de jure” but became an “heir de facto”. The source of our divine sonship is Jesus Christ. Just as the father would set a time for his son’s coming of age, so God the father set a time for His Son to come to the earth to be the Redeemer, Messiah, and Deliverer. The Law had accomplished it’s purpose, showing man his utter inability to live up to God’s standard and revealing his utter sinfulness. Now, Jesus came to redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. The word used in our text for adoption is  (huiothesia) refers to a man giving the status of sonship to someone who is not his son by birth. We can only be God’s son by His adoption of us because of the finished work of Christ. God confirms our adoption through the Holy Spirit, who seals us, indwells us and gives us the confidence to be able to go to the Father and cry out Abba! Father! Therefore, we are no longer a slave of Satan but a son of God and heir through Christ. We are free from the slavery of sin, free from the fear of death, free from the fear of the wrath of God, sons of the living God, and fellow heirs of the gift of grace. The condemning Judge has become our loving Father. We need to “… consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18) and live accordingly.

1. Why is a child compared to a slave and what are his restrictions? What was the responsibility of a guardian or manager? What held them in bondage?

2. In the “fullness of time” can also be translated “the right time” What is the meaning of this phrase? What happened in the fullness of time?

3. How would you summarize verses 4-11? What happened when God sent forth His Son? What does “born under the Law” mean? Why is it important?

4. What is Paul begging for? Why? What does Paul mean when he says, “I have become as you are” and why does he make such a personal appeal?

5. What is Paul warning the Galatians of in verses 17-18? What interest did the Judaizers have in the Galatians? Why? What was Paul’s desire for the Galatians?