Growing in Wisdom: Jesus' Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, I want to share a message that is deeply rooted in the scriptures and the life of Jesus Christ. As we gather here, let's remember that true education and wisdom come from knowing God and His Word. Jesus, despite being the Son of God, had no temporal advantages over the humblest citizen. He was born in a lowly place, yet He grew in wisdom and favor with God and man. This is a powerful reminder that it doesn't matter where you start in life; what matters is where you are going and who you are becoming in Christ.
We see a glimpse of Jesus' early life in the story of Him at the temple at the age of 12. His parents, after realizing He was missing, found Him in His Father's house, discussing profound matters with the teachers. This incident teaches us the importance of being about our Father's business, even from a young age. Jesus knew His mission but also understood the importance of timing and obedience. He returned to Nazareth and continued to grow under the guidance of His earthly parents, Joseph and Mary.
The Bible tells us that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. The Greek word for favor here means grace, but it also implies the act of saving. Jesus was in the act of giving grace to save mankind even as a young man. This is a profound lesson for us: to be in favor with God means to be in a state of grace, actively participating in His saving work.
As we reflect on Jesus' life, we see that He was constantly guarded by heavenly angels, yet His life was a continuous struggle against the powers of darkness. This struggle was not just for His sake but for ours, to show us that no matter how far we have fallen, God's arm is not too short to reach us and lift us up. Jesus' life in Nazareth, a place despised and rejected, is a testament to the fact that something good can come out of the most unlikely places.
In our journey of faith, we must be diligent in our spiritual practices. Just as Jesus' parents lost sight of Him for a day and it took them three days to find Him, we too can lose our connection with God through idle talk, evil speaking, or neglect of prayer. It may take many days of sorrowful search to regain the peace we have lost. Therefore, we must remain steadfast in prayer and the study of God's Word.
The story of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist at the age of 30 marks the beginning of His public ministry. This event was a culmination of 18 years of preparation, during which the political and religious leaders of the time had their chance to get it together. Jesus' baptism signifies the start of His Messiahship and His mission to save humanity.
As we navigate our lives, we must remember that true education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about knowing Jesus. It begins in the womb and continues throughout our lives. The love of a mother for her child is a reflection of God's love for us. Just as a mother gives her all for her child, God gave His all for us through Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, let us be reminded that Jesus' life was a testament to obedience, grace, and the relentless pursuit of God's will. He faced temptations and struggles, yet He remained steadfast. We too must strive to grow in wisdom and favor with God and man, knowing that our ultimate goal is to be with Him in His eternal kingdom.
### Key Takeaways
1. True Education and Wisdom: True education is not about worldly knowledge but about knowing God and His Word. Jesus, despite His humble beginnings, grew in wisdom and favor with God and man. This teaches us that our spiritual growth and relationship with God are what truly matter. [02:43]
2. Being About Our Father's Business: The story of Jesus at the temple at age 12 highlights the importance of being engaged in God's work from a young age. Jesus knew His mission but also understood the importance of timing and obedience. We too must be diligent in our spiritual practices and remain focused on our divine purpose. [37:50]
3. The Struggle Against Darkness: Jesus' life was a continuous struggle against the powers of darkness, showing us that no matter how far we have fallen, God's arm is not too short to reach us. This is a powerful reminder that God's grace is always available to lift us up from our lowest points. [43:16]
4. The Importance of Spiritual Diligence: Just as Jesus' parents lost sight of Him for a day and it took them three days to find Him, we too can lose our connection with God through neglect. It is crucial to remain steadfast in prayer and the study of God's Word to maintain our spiritual peace and connection with Him. [39:24]
5. The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry: Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist at the age of 30 marks the beginning of His public ministry. This event signifies the culmination of years of preparation and the start of His mission to save humanity. It reminds us that our spiritual journey requires preparation and dedication to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [41:10]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:43] - True Education and Wisdom
[04:22] - Living in the Last Days
[06:09] - Preparing for Eternity
[07:25] - Prayer and Scripture
[09:03] - Jesus' Early Life
[10:17] - Knowing Jesus
[12:21] - The Power of a Mother's Love
[13:59] - The Miracle of Life
[16:15] - The Annunciation
[17:27] - Preparing for Jesus' Return
[19:24] - The Birth of John the Baptist
[21:16] - Miraculous Beginnings
[22:23] - Trusting God's Plan
[24:39] - Favored by God
[25:37] - Understanding Grace
[27:27] - The Greatness of Jesus
[28:49] - Jesus' Circumcision
[30:23] - Obedience to God's Law
[32:11] - Jesus' Sinless Life
[33:20] - Life in Nazareth
[35:01] - Rejection in Nazareth
[36:15] - Jesus' Education
[37:50] - Jesus at the Temple
[39:24] - The Importance of Spiritual Diligence
[41:10] - The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry
[43:16] - The Struggle Against Darkness
[45:30] - Personal Reflections
[47:51] - Lessons from Youth
[50:00] - Parental Guidance
[52:15] - Understanding God's Love
[55:07] - The Love of God
[56:36] - The Sacrifice of Jesus
[58:19] - Jesus Understands
[59:38] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:40 - "And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him."
2. Luke 2:46-47 - "After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers."
3. Luke 2:52 - "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Luke 2:40 tell us about Jesus' early development and the role of God's grace in His life?
2. In Luke 2:46-47, what was Jesus doing in the temple, and how did the teachers react to Him?
3. According to Luke 2:52, in what ways did Jesus grow, and how did this growth affect His relationship with God and man?
4. How did Jesus' parents react when they found Him in the temple after three days of searching? ([37:50])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that Jesus grew in wisdom and favor with God and man? How can this be applied to our own spiritual growth? ([09:03])
2. Why is it significant that Jesus was found in the temple discussing profound matters with the teachers at such a young age? ([37:50])
3. How does the story of Jesus' early life and His growth in wisdom and favor challenge our understanding of true education and wisdom? ([02:43])
4. What lessons can we learn from the struggle Jesus faced against the powers of darkness, and how does this relate to our own spiritual battles? ([43:16])
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Jesus' growth in wisdom and favor, what specific steps can you take to grow in your relationship with God and others this week? ([09:03])
2. Jesus was diligent in His spiritual practices from a young age. How can you incorporate more diligence in your own spiritual practices, such as prayer and Bible study? ([37:50])
3. The sermon mentioned that losing sight of Jesus can happen through idle talk or neglect of prayer. What are some practical ways you can avoid these pitfalls in your daily life? ([39:24])
4. Jesus' life was a continuous struggle against darkness, yet He remained steadfast. Can you identify a current struggle in your life where you need to rely more on God's strength and grace? ([43:16])
5. The story of Jesus' baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry after years of preparation. What areas of your life require more preparation and dedication to fulfill God's purpose for you? ([41:10])
6. True education is about knowing Jesus and His Word. How can you prioritize this kind of education in your family or personal life? ([02:43])
7. Jesus' life in Nazareth shows that something good can come from unlikely places. How can you find and nurture the good in your current circumstances, no matter how challenging they may seem? ([33:20])
Devotional
Day 1: True Education and Wisdom
True education is not about worldly knowledge but about knowing God and His Word. Jesus, despite His humble beginnings, grew in wisdom and favor with God and man. This teaches us that our spiritual growth and relationship with God are what truly matter. Jesus' life exemplifies that it doesn't matter where you start in life; what matters is where you are going and who you are becoming in Christ. His growth in wisdom and favor with God and man is a powerful reminder that true education and wisdom come from knowing God and His Word.
As we reflect on this, we should consider how we are growing in our own spiritual journey. Are we seeking worldly knowledge and success, or are we striving to know God more deeply and live according to His Word? True wisdom is found in a relationship with God, and it is through this relationship that we can grow in favor with Him and with others. [02:43]
Proverbs 2:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize knowing God and His Word over worldly knowledge in your daily life?
Day 2: Being About Our Father's Business
The story of Jesus at the temple at age 12 highlights the importance of being engaged in God's work from a young age. Jesus knew His mission but also understood the importance of timing and obedience. We too must be diligent in our spiritual practices and remain focused on our divine purpose. Jesus' example teaches us that being about our Father's business means being actively involved in His work and seeking to fulfill His will in our lives.
This requires us to be intentional in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, studying the Bible, and serving others. It also means being obedient to God's timing and direction, even when it may not align with our own plans. By staying focused on our divine purpose and being diligent in our spiritual practices, we can grow in our relationship with God and be effective in His work. [37:50]
Luke 2:49 (ESV): "And he said to them, 'Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?'"
Reflection: How can you be more intentional in your spiritual practices and stay focused on your divine purpose today?
Day 3: The Struggle Against Darkness
Jesus' life was a continuous struggle against the powers of darkness, showing us that no matter how far we have fallen, God's arm is not too short to reach us. This is a powerful reminder that God's grace is always available to lift us up from our lowest points. Jesus' life in Nazareth, a place despised and rejected, is a testament to the fact that something good can come out of the most unlikely places.
In our own lives, we may face struggles and challenges that seem insurmountable. However, we can take comfort in knowing that God's grace is always available to us. No matter how far we have fallen or how difficult our circumstances may be, God's arm is not too short to reach us and lift us up. We must trust in His grace and rely on His strength to overcome the powers of darkness in our lives. [43:16]
Isaiah 59:1 (ESV): "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear."
Reflection: What struggles or challenges are you facing today that you need to trust God's grace to overcome?
Day 4: The Importance of Spiritual Diligence
Just as Jesus' parents lost sight of Him for a day and it took them three days to find Him, we too can lose our connection with God through neglect. It is crucial to remain steadfast in prayer and the study of God's Word to maintain our spiritual peace and connection with Him. This story serves as a reminder that our spiritual journey requires diligence and intentionality.
We must be vigilant in our spiritual practices and guard against anything that may cause us to lose our connection with God. This includes avoiding idle talk, evil speaking, and neglect of prayer. By remaining steadfast in prayer and the study of God's Word, we can maintain our spiritual peace and stay connected to God. [39:24]
1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 (ESV): "Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to be more diligent in your prayer life and study of God's Word?
Day 5: The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry
Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist at the age of 30 marks the beginning of His public ministry. This event signifies the culmination of years of preparation and the start of His mission to save humanity. It reminds us that our spiritual journey requires preparation and dedication to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
Jesus' baptism was a significant moment that marked the beginning of His public ministry and His mission to save humanity. It was the culmination of years of preparation and obedience to God's will. This teaches us that our own spiritual journey requires preparation and dedication. We must be willing to put in the time and effort to grow in our relationship with God and be ready to fulfill His purpose for our lives. [41:10]
Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV): "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'"
Reflection: How can you prepare and dedicate yourself to fulfill God's purpose for your life today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Because when that baby came up to them and said, Mama, I need to see my sister, instead of saying, boy, go somewhere and sit down, she said, all right, I'm taking you today. I don't care what they say. So they put on a little gown, and when the head nurse saw this little midget of a man getting up, she said, the mother's face said, don't say a word to me. Oh, when that face comes across that mother, you don't even have to say a word. Don't say a word to me. Took the baby in, and when he came to her little incubator and began to sing, you are my sunshine, my only sunshine. The monitors. That were so, again, the peak, and to go higher and higher, and she survived because the true education begins in the womb." [13:59]
2. "You put a crown of thorns on his head, you put nails in his hands, you put nails in his feet and because he was God, he said you're getting ready to put a spear in his side. You did this to my son and all he did was love you. The Bible says that while we were yet sinners, my God came and died for us." [56:36]
3. "When we become children or a child of the king three things begin to happen to us. Ephesians chapter 1 verse 6 we are beloved. Matthew 28 verse 20 the Lord is with us always. Ephesians chapter 1 verse 3 we are blessed with spiritual blessings. I believe I may be poor in this world as long as I am rich in spiritual things I am somebody." [24:39]
4. "Because right now, we are being told to Jesus. It's a time in which the bride-to-be is getting everything ready so that when the bridegroom comes at a drop of a hat, she can have the wedding. Are you ready for Jesus to come? You see, Elder Ward used to teach us the way that you prepare to keep the Sabbath is the same way that you are preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Wow! Some of us are not prepared to keep the Sabbath and we sure are not prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ." [17:27]
5. "And number three you are blessed. When we become children or a child of the king three things begin to happen to us. Ephesians chapter 1 verse 6 we are beloved. Matthew 28 verse 20 the Lord is with us always. Ephesians chapter 1 verse 3 we are blessed with spiritual blessings. I believe I may be poor in this world as long as I am rich in spiritual things I am somebody." [24:39]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We see in the second text a 12-year-old boy sitting at the temple. It's Passover, and his parents have made their way back to Nazareth, and then they discover, where's Jesus? He's missing. Let me tell you where Jesus was. He was in his father's house, working on this thing called the cross. Don't get the two C's confused. Not country, but the cross, so that when his parents found him after three days, they were like, Jesus, where have you been? been about my father's business. He knew who his father was, but he also knew his time was not yet to do the business. He had 18 more years to go back to that wood shop under the tutelage of Joseph." [37:50]
2. "You can't take one day off your knees praying. You can't take one day off your knees praying and studying the Word of God, because if you do, it's going to take many more days to find him. That's why we have so many We don't know Jesus. For 18 years, he did as they asked. Our text, our second text says, and Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man, Luke 2.52. There's that word again, favor. Jesus was in favor with God and man, but here in the Greek, the word favor does mean grace, but it means the act of saving." [39:24]
3. "Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet his life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. There should be upon the earth one life free from the defilement of evil was an offense and a perplexity to the prince of darkness. He left no means untried to ensnare Jesus. No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amidst so fierce a conflict with temptations as was our Savior. God did not allow his son to be born in a nice, beautiful city, but he went to a where there was sin everywhere. To prove a point, I don't care how far you have fallen, how low you are in the guzz of this world, my God's arm is not too short that he can't reach you. Grab you and pick you up." [43:16]
4. "I tell my students all the time, you don't have my 40 years to get it together. You got it together now because too many young people are falling asleep and they don't know Jesus. We need to grow with Jesus. You need to know where you're going. You need to know who your father is. You need to know who your father is. You need to know who your father is, and you must be obedient. Desire of Ages, page 71. See it. Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet his life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness." [41:10]
5. "How? The population of Nazareth was from 150 to 400 people at its best. It's a town where everybody knows your name. My elementary years, I grew up in Savannah. I left there when I was 10 or 11 years old. Most of my time has been spent in Atlanta. You better believe they don't know my name down in Atlanta. They don't know my name in Atlanta. I go to Palmetto where my husband is born, everybody knows everybody's name. I don't understand that. When they have conversations, you remember when they did so and so and so. Nobody can say that about me in Savannah or even in Atlanta. But when a small town or small quaint town or city, everybody knows your name and your business." [33:20]
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