|
|
by Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons
Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
Introduction
In his thirteenth year an Israelite child was obliged to apply himself to the
Law of Moses. For this reason Jesus' mother and father take him to Jerusalem, to
the temple, to fulfill his ritual obligations. So, Jesus submits to the Law of
Moses, but he also demonstrates a higher obligation "to one whom he recognizes
as Father, for he is the Son of God, declared so by an angel", Danker.
The passage
v41-42. A Jewish boy reaches manhood at age 13, and it is the responsibility of
the boy's father to introduce him to his religious obligations before he comes
of age. Jesus, now 12, is taken to the most important of the Jewish religious
festivals. It was expected that Pentecost and Tabernacles be attended as well as
Passover, but the Jews of Galilee, due to distance, tended to attend Passover
only. The significance of the Passover, Israel's deliverance through sacrifice,
is not lost on Luke.
v43-45. A pilgrimage to a religious festival was usually undertaken in a large
group of family, relatives, neighbors and friends. The women and children would
travel as one group, followed by the men. They would not all come together again
until they met at a prearranged meeting place on the journey home. It was only
then that Joseph and Mary discovered that Jesus was not with the other parent,
or with their "kinsfolk."
v46. It was at the end of the first day, after leaving Jerusalem, that Joseph
and Mary discover Jesus missing. On the second day they return to Jerusalem, and
on the third day they find Jesus in the temple. During festival and on the
Sabbath, the teachers sat in the Temple precinct to teach their traditions and
answer questions. It was in one such group that Joseph and Mary found their son
"listening" and "asking questions."
v47. The members of the teaching group were "amazed" at Jesus' "understanding."
The word "amazed" is used, particularly by Mark and Luke, as a preliminary
response by the crowds to a powerful working of the Spirit of God in word, or
sign. In this case, it is a Spirit-filled word. So, even at the age of 12, and
prior to the descent of the Spirit upon him, Jesus fills the crowd with wonder
and awe.
v48. Jesus' parents are similarly awestruck, quite unable to understand what is
going on. Their only response is to chastise Jesus, and rightly so.
v49. Jesus responds by telling his parents he must be about his Father's
business, the Word business. Most translations have "Father's house", meaning
the temple. As for "my Father", he certainly doesn't mean Joseph. He may be
claiming that God is his father, although the "my" probably just reflects his
messianic claims; Jesus is "the Son of God." "Son of God" is primarily a
messianic title, and by claiming the title Jesus is not necessarily revealing
his filial relationship with God the Father, nor is he denying his human
kinship.
v50. His parents simply do not understand what he is up to. Given his miraculous
birth, he is obviously a candidate for messiah, Son of God, but why "must" the
coming Davidic messiah (a worrier king) be in the temple discussing theology?
v51. As far as his parents are concerned, the young Jesus is way out of line.
Jesus rightly submits to them and returns with them to Nazareth. Mary is left to
wonder about it all.
v52. Meanwhile, Jesus continues to grow in wisdom, as well as stature and moral
integrity.
Conflicting obligations
Of first importance we are bound to hear Luke and so be reminded of Jesus'
messianic credentials. We follow no ordinary man. Yet, there is an interesting
side issue in this passage which touches on the human condition.
Clearly, Jesus is out of line when he heads off to the temple to do his own
thing. Without considering his parent's he gets caught up in his "Father's
business", wrestling with the divine truth that in years to come will be the
center of his messianic ministry. Yet, although his intentions are worthy, the
social consequences are anything but worthy. His parents are rightly miffed.
Jesus tries to calm the waters with an explanation (always taken by the accuser
as an excuse), but then immediately submits to his parent's authority. As Luke
puts it, Jesus was "obedient to them".
This incident reminds us that Jesus shares our human condition, although unlike
us, he did not sin. In the story we see Jesus caught in a classic bind where
honour to one causes offence to another. Only in a sinful world are we faced
with such a problem. Of course, Jesus handles the situation as the law demands,
when corrected, he obeys.
So, this simple human story should remind us to be forgiving of our daily
blunders. We do well to remember that in a fallen world the options we face will
often conflict and our chosen path will end up less than perfect, always
compromised. Unlike Jesus, perfection is beyond us. Thankfully salvation rests
on God's grace, not on our capacity to rightly handle life's myriad choices.
Discussion
Consider examples of conflicting choices you have faced in your life.
See Also:
Sermons, Bible Commentaries and Bible Analyses for the 1st Sunday after Christmas
Sermons Home | General Sermons and Essays | Articles | eBooks | Our Faith | Prayers | Library - Home | Baselios Church Home
-------
Malankara World
A service of St. Basil's Syriac Orthodox
Church, Ohio
Copyright © 2009-2020 - ICBS Group. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
Website designed, built, and hosted by
International Cyber Business Services, Inc., Hudson, Ohio
