Bible Pathways - October 21, 2005

October 21

In Today's Reading:

Jesus' birth; shepherds' adoration; Simeon's and Anna's prophecies; Jesus in the Temple; John the Baptist; baptism of Jesus; Jesus' genealogy

The Passover brought Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem every year. The year Jesus was twelve years old, in the busy preparation for returning home after the feast, Mary and Joseph, supposing Him to have been in the company (group), went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk (relatives) and acquaintance. And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors (teachers), both hearing them, and asking them questions (Luke 2:44-46).

After finding Him in the Temple, Mary said: Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing (2:48). Jesus calmly explained to Mary His reason for being in the Temple, saying: How is it that ye sought Me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about My Father's business? (2:49). Jesus made it very clear who His real Father was. Devotion to His Heavenly Father's interests drew Him to the Temple; but His submission to the will of His Heavenly Father also caused Him to return to Nazareth where He was subject (obedient) unto them (2:51).

In this age of rebellion, many young people are not disciplined to be in subjection to their parents or to anyone else. Honoring and obeying God-ordained parental authority is the first Commandment with promise (Ephesians 6:2). Parents who are in submission to God have a responsibility to their children to spiritually train them — \-especially by personal example, through daily devotions, and by regular attendance in a Bible-teaching church on the Lord's Day. Pity the parents who rebel against restrictions which are placed on them on the job, at church, or in the community. Such people may even think they have a right to be independent of God-ordained authority, yet they still expect their children to be obedient to them and other authorities.

Let every soul (person) be subject unto the higher powers (governmental authorities). For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of (established by) God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (condemnation) (Romans 13:1-2).

Word Studies:

2:7 swaddling = folding Him in linen, implying special care; 2:46 doctors = the Rabbis who were the instructors in the Law; 3:1 tetrarch = 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 5:7; 12:8. Luke 2:32: See Isaiah 42:6; 49:6. Luke 3:4-6: See Isaiah 40:3-5.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Kenneth Roy Roberts, Jr. · Staff: Karen Hawkins · Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Lewis (CA) and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (OH) · Country: Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) (19 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India · Major languages: Sinhala and Tamil · Christianity suppressed · 67% Buddhist; 15% Hindu; 8% Roman Catholic; 7% Muslim; .75% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast as you confess your sins and intercede for our nation (Nehemiah 1:4-6).

Memory Verse for the Week: Hebrews 3:13