IN MY FATHER'S HOUSE

Luke 2:39-52

Key Verse 2:49

1. Verses 38-40 describe Jesus' childhood in Nazareth.  The passage says that Jesus grew and became strong.  Yet in verse 40 it goes further to state, "he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him." What does this indicate about: 1) true strength; and 2) the boy Jesus? What prayer topics can we find for our own spiritual growth in the new year?

2. Read verses 41-45. What is the Feast of the Passover? What is the significance of the age twelve (v42)? Compare the expressions, "they were unaware of it [i.e., Jesus staying behind]" with what Jesus said to his mother in verse 49. In what respect was the boy Jesus different from his human parents? What can we learn from the boy Jesus who stayed behind "in Jerusalem"?

3. Meditate on what Jesus did while in Jerusalem (vs46, 47). What do the following expressions teach us about the way for us to experience spiritual growth? 1) "in the temple courts"; 2) "sitting among the teachers"; 3) "listening to them"; 4) "asking questions"; and 4) "Everyone who heard him was amazed at his 'understanding' and 'answers.'" 

4. Compare what Jesus' mother said in v48 to Jesus’ response in verse 49. Jesus asked his mother two questions.  What do they reveal about: 1) Jesus' parents; and 2) Jesus? What does Jesus' statement, "I had to be in my Father's house" teach us about: 1) the purpose of the temple; and 2) the priority for us to keep in planning for the new year?

5. Read verse 50. Supposedly Jesus' parents were "spiritual". Yet why didn’t they understand even after Jesus had tried to enlighten them? Yet, what can we learn from Mary (in verse 51b) who cherished what Jesus said? 

6. Read verse 51a and compare what the boy Jesus did in Jerusalem and what he did at home. What can we learn from Jesus? 

7. Meditate on verse 52. How is growing "in wisdom" different from growing "in stature"? Why is it important to grow first in "wisdom" then in "stature"? Why is it important to have favor with God and men?  

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