Bible Pathways - Oct. 21, 2008
October 21
Highlights In Today's Reading:
A description is given of the miraculous birth of Jesus (2:1-7), announced by the angels (2:8-14), witnessed to by the shepherds (2:15-20). Later, both Simeon and Anna offer testimony and prophecy over the Christ child (2:25-38). Jesus visits His Father in the Temple(2:41-50). Preparing the way of the Lord (3:1-22) the story of John the Baptist is narrated as He baptizes Jesus. Read Jesus' bloodline through Mary's genealogy through David's son Nathan (3:23-38). However, Matthew records Jesus' legal genealogy through David's son Solomon (Matthew 1:1-16).
And the Child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him. . . . And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast (Passover). . . . After three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. . . . and His mother said . . .Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing. And He said . . . I must be about My Father's business (2:40,42,46,48-49). My Father's business are the first recorded words of Jesus and reveal how the Holy Spirit guided His whole life by devotion to His Father in heaven.
As a boy of twelve in the Temple, He revealed His special relationship to the Heavenly Father. If His devotion to be about My Father's business attracted Him to the Temple, then it was the voice of submission that called Him back to Galilee, and to that voice He rendered obedience.
There is something awesome beyond words to express in the thought of Jesus as the Creator of all things submitting to earthly parents who were part of His creation. But Jesus Christ lived at home until He was thirty years old (3:23). During that time, as the custom was, the Son of God was a submissive son of Mary and Joseph.
Vanity, selfish ambition and prideful independence are always in a hurry to reject God-ordained parental authority. The prodigal son who was set on riotous living is an example (15:11-24).
You do not find Jesus murmuring against the restraints of home or reminding them or others that He had His rights and was fully capable of self-management. The Christian son and daughter who are living in submission to Christ will also experience the same satisfaction of living in subjection to their parents.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first Commandment with promise) (Ephesians 6:1-2).
Thought for Today:
Submission to godly authority is a powerful testimony to the grace of God working in our lives.
Word Studies:
2:7 wrapped Him in swaddling =b> wrapped Him in linen; 2:46 doctors =b> the Rabbis who were the instructors in the Law; 3:1 tetrarch =b> ruler of a fourth part or one of four rulers of a country or province.
Cross References:
For Luke 2:23: See Exodus 13:2,12. Luke 2:24: See Leviticus 12:8. Luke 2:32: See Isaiah 9:2; 42:6; 49:6. Luke 3:4-6: See Isaiah 40:3-5.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Lee Rutherford's birthday • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Officials: Del. Luis Fortuno (Puerto Rico), Rep. Jerry Lewis (CA), and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (OH) • Country: Laos (5 million) in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Lao and French • Great suppression of all Christian activities • 58% Buddhist; 33% belief in spirits and ancestor worship; 2% Christian; 1% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Remember that God delights in your joy (Psa. 43:4; see also Rev. 4:11).
Memory Verse for the Week: Mark 4:19
