Understanding Our Identity and Purpose in Christ
Summary
In today's reflection, we delved into the unique biblical account of Jesus as a 12-year-old in the temple, a story that has been part of the lectionary for centuries. This narrative, found in the Gospel of Luke, is the only account of Jesus' childhood in the Bible, highlighting its significance. It invites us to ponder why the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to include this story and what God wants us to learn from it. The story unfolds during the Passover festival, a time of great celebration and remembrance for the Jewish people, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. This context is crucial as it underscores the significance of Jesus' presence in the temple, engaging with the teachers and astonishing them with his understanding.
The narrative also serves as a reminder of Jesus' identity and mission. When Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple, his response, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" reveals his awareness of his divine mission and identity as the Son of God. This moment is a profound reminder that Jesus' primary allegiance is to his heavenly Father, and his mission is to bring salvation to humanity.
As we reflect on this story, we are reminded of our own identity as children of God, adopted into his family through baptism. Just as Jesus knew who he was and what he was called to do, we too are called to live with a sense of purpose and identity rooted in our relationship with God. This story challenges us to grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ and to live out our faith with confidence and joy.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Significance of Jesus' Childhood Story: The account of Jesus in the temple is the only story of his childhood in the Bible, highlighting its importance. It invites us to reflect on Jesus' identity and mission, reminding us of the divine purpose that guided his life from an early age. [11:39]
2. Understanding Our Identity in Christ: Just as Jesus knew he was the Son of God, we are reminded of our identity as children of God through baptism. This identity calls us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing we are part of God's family. [16:28]
3. The Context of Passover: The story takes place during Passover, a time of remembrance and celebration for the Jewish people. This context underscores the significance of Jesus' presence in the temple and his role as the ultimate Passover Lamb who brings salvation. [33:29]
4. Jesus' Divine Mission: Jesus' response to Mary and Joseph reveals his awareness of his divine mission. He is not just the son of Mary and Joseph but the Son of God, come to save humanity. This understanding challenges us to recognize and embrace our own God-given mission. [39:11]
5. Living with Purpose and Joy: As we reflect on Jesus' story, we are encouraged to live with a sense of purpose and joy, rooted in our relationship with God. Our faith calls us to be engaged with the world, sharing the love and truth of Christ with those around us. [49:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:39] - The Significance of Jesus' Childhood Story
[13:42] - Baptism and Identity in Christ
[16:28] - The Role of Godparents
[33:29] - The Context of Passover
[37:01] - The Exodus and Deliverance
[37:57] - Celebrating Our Spiritual Heritage
[39:11] - Jesus' Divine Mission
[40:29] - Understanding Jesus' Response
[41:51] - The Necessity of Jesus' Actions
[42:33] - Astonishment at Jesus' Wisdom
[44:08] - Jesus as a Model Student
[45:46] - The Importance of Spiritual Education
[47:04] - Living with Purpose and Joy
[49:06] - Our Identity as Children of God
[49:52] - Stewardship and Christian Living
[50:29] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 2:41-52: The story of Jesus as a 12-year-old in the temple.
- Matthew 28:18-19: The Great Commission and the importance of baptism.
- Exodus 12:1-14: The institution of Passover, highlighting its significance in Jewish tradition.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Jesus being found in the temple during the Passover festival? How does this context enhance our understanding of the story? [33:29]
2. How did Jesus respond to Mary and Joseph when they found him in the temple, and what does this reveal about his understanding of his identity? [39:11]
3. What role does baptism play in affirming our identity as children of God, as mentioned in the sermon? [16:28]
4. How does the sermon describe the atmosphere and significance of the Passover festival in Jerusalem? [33:29]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might the story of Jesus in the temple be the only account of his childhood included in the Bible? What does this suggest about its importance? [11:39]
2. How does Jesus' awareness of his divine mission challenge our understanding of our own purpose and identity in Christ? [39:11]
3. In what ways does the context of Passover deepen the meaning of Jesus' actions and words in the temple? [33:29]
4. How does the sermon connect the themes of baptism and identity in Christ to our daily lives and spiritual growth? [16:28]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a strong sense of purpose or calling. How does Jesus' example in the temple inspire you to pursue your divine mission with confidence? [39:11]
2. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of your identity as a child of God in your daily life? What practices or habits might support this growth? [16:28]
3. The sermon highlights the importance of spiritual education. What steps can you take to engage more deeply with Scripture and grow in your faith? [44:08]
4. Consider the significance of the Passover context in Jesus' story. How can you incorporate the themes of deliverance and salvation into your personal faith journey? [33:29]
5. How does the story of Jesus in the temple challenge you to live with purpose and joy? What specific actions can you take to share the love and truth of Christ with others? [49:06]
6. Reflect on the role of baptism in your life. How does it shape your understanding of being part of God's family, and how can you live out this identity more fully? [16:28]
7. Jesus' response to Mary and Joseph was a reminder of his divine mission. How can you remind yourself of your own mission and identity in Christ during challenging times? [39:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unique Significance of Jesus' Childhood Story
The account of Jesus as a 12-year-old in the temple is the only story of his childhood recorded in the Bible, emphasizing its importance. This narrative invites us to reflect on Jesus' identity and mission, reminding us of the divine purpose that guided his life from an early age. During the Passover festival, a time of great celebration and remembrance for the Jewish people, Jesus' presence in the temple engaging with the teachers and astonishing them with his understanding underscores the significance of this moment. It is a profound reminder of Jesus' awareness of his divine mission and identity as the Son of God. [11:39]
Luke 2:46-47 (ESV): "After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers."
Reflection: How does the story of Jesus in the temple challenge your understanding of your own purpose and mission in life? What steps can you take today to align more closely with your God-given purpose?
Day 2: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Just as Jesus knew he was the Son of God, we are reminded of our identity as children of God through baptism. This identity calls us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing we are part of God's family. Our baptism signifies our adoption into God's family, and with it comes a responsibility to live out our faith with assurance and joy. This understanding challenges us to grow in our awareness of who we are in Christ and to live out our faith with confidence and joy. [16:28]
Galatians 3:26-27 (ESV): "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself daily of your identity as a child of God? How does this identity influence your actions and decisions today?
Day 3: The Context of Passover and Its Significance
The story of Jesus in the temple takes place during Passover, a time of remembrance and celebration for the Jewish people. This context underscores the significance of Jesus' presence in the temple and his role as the ultimate Passover Lamb who brings salvation. The Passover festival commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Egypt, and Jesus' participation in this festival highlights his mission to bring ultimate deliverance and salvation to humanity. [33:29]
Exodus 12:26-27 (ESV): "And when your children say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.’"
Reflection: How does understanding the context of Passover deepen your appreciation for Jesus' mission? What can you do today to celebrate and remember the deliverance Jesus offers?
Day 4: Recognizing Jesus' Divine Mission
Jesus' response to Mary and Joseph in the temple reveals his awareness of his divine mission. He is not just the son of Mary and Joseph but the Son of God, come to save humanity. This understanding challenges us to recognize and embrace our own God-given mission. Jesus' primary allegiance was to his heavenly Father, and his mission was to bring salvation to humanity. As followers of Christ, we are called to recognize our own mission and live it out with dedication and purpose. [39:11]
John 6:38-39 (ESV): "For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can align your daily actions with your understanding of your God-given mission? How can you seek God's guidance in fulfilling this mission?
Day 5: Living with Purpose and Joy
As we reflect on Jesus' story, we are encouraged to live with a sense of purpose and joy, rooted in our relationship with God. Our faith calls us to be engaged with the world, sharing the love and truth of Christ with those around us. Living with purpose means being intentional about our actions and decisions, and finding joy in our relationship with God and in serving others. This story challenges us to grow in our understanding of who we are in Christ and to live out our faith with confidence and joy. [49:06]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate joy and purpose into your daily routine? What is one way you can share the love and truth of Christ with someone today?
Quotes
"From thence, he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the forgiveness of sins. The resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen." [00:15:17]
"The Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given you the new birth of water and of the Spirit, and has forgiven you all your sins, strengthen you with his grace to life everlasting. Amen." [00:16:11]
"Live always in the light of Christ and be ever watchful for his coming, that you may meet him with joy and enter with him into the marriage feast of the Lamb and his kingdom, which shall have no end. Please stand for prayer." [00:16:43]
"And there was lots of commotion, and people, and festivity, and joy. And it was the one time of year when many families, for sure, would have plenty to eat, not just a meal or two a day. And they would have meat, which was not a given. And they were instructed not to have more than 20 people for one lamb, so that there would be intercession." [00:34:48]
"And they would hug and hold on to their firstborn, male sons, spared, while families of Egyptian people lost their firstborn regardless of age. And finally, Pharaoh's heart was softened enough to let the people go." [00:36:41]
"And Moses led these people out of Egypt to the promised land that God also gave to them, this land flowing with milk and honey, so to speak, a rich and fertile land. And it was their Christmas and Easter every year." [00:37:11]
"Do you think what the angel said doesn't really mean anything? His name will be Jesus because he will save the people from their sins? How did you think this was going to happen? I must be. Sometimes it's translated necessary, four syllables in English, a little tiny three-letter Greek word. Important. Important in Luke's gospel." [00:41:11]
"Do you think that God is going to save you ultimately from the blood of animals? His name will be Jesus because he will save the people from their sins. Why would you not have thought I would be in my Father's house? I am first and foremost the Son of God come into the world." [00:42:07]
"Now Luke uses that same word of astonishment, there's a couple of different words and one's more intense than the other. The people were amazed at Jesus interacting with the professors, and not just simply curious, but giving input, and teaching them and learning from them, fully engaged with them, and then when Mary and Joseph see him, then the word turns from amazed to astonishment, or whichever one you think is stronger." [00:43:37]
"And that they walk around with the same sense that Jesus had. Not with arrogance, but why should you be surprised? Of course I have to be with my Lord. I must be with my Father. I must be with my Lord and Savior Jesus. Of course I'm going to talk about Jesus or be in worship or check. My daily Bible verse that Pastor Palmer sends to me." [00:46:39]
"Why were you looking for me? I know who I am, my Father's son. Come into this world for your salvation. Of course I'm going to be at the temple at this time for the Passover and for the ultimate Passover over when I come back to Jerusalem to be lifted up on the cross and to become the Lamb of God who takes away your sins." [00:47:53]
"Jesus knows who he is. And he wants us as his children to know who we are. Children of the Heavenly Father on this earth for a little while looking forward to everlasting life on the day that he returns and brings all glory back to this earth when we see him face to face." [00:49:04]
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