Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 2:41-52 SOAP Luke 2:51-52
"He was submissive to them." Why would Jesus place himself in submission to these two fallen human beings? The extent of His love for us must be the only logical factor that would drive him to do such an illogical thing. The Son of God submitting to poor, sinful Joseph and Mary? My pride would keep me from doing this. Doesn't our culture continuously arrange people into classes, summarizing them by order of importance. I am amused at the look some people get on their faces when they are trying to decide if I measure up to them and deserve their attention. That's always so uncomfortable, isn't it? Jesus did not have this awful propensity like fallen humanity.
The fact the Christ increased in favor with both God and man proves that He endeared himself to people. I believe he loved everyone equally and treated all men with respect and dignity. What I would give to hear the dialogue between Jesus and the teachers in the temple! Imagine what they must have discussed. Jesus earned their favor. Jesus, thank you for the sacrifice you made, simply in humbling yourself into submission. Thank you for the sacrifice of treating all men equally and engaging us to think about the promises in your Word.
Comment below
It has been a great week of studying God’s word and I am seeing the book of Luke in a whole new way. What I see in our soap scriptures today is submission which simply means to place yourself under someone’s authority. The bible says in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” So it is plain to see that our submission to God is vital. You can never have victory over the devil if you don’t have submission to God. Look at Ezekiel 28 and you will find the devil refusing to submit to God and even attempting to exalt himself above God. The devil refused to become a servant and therefore was removed from the kingdom of heaven. But then we look at Jesus and we find that he came to this earth not to be served, but to serve. So to become the most effective is to become a servant yourself. I will be the first to admit submission is not an easy thing to do, we always would choose our way. I believe Jesus was willing was willing to submit to God and His authority. He was willing to submit His life for ours. Everyone will have a chance to come to Jesus; He does not love one group over another for He is no respecter of person. Everyone can work in some area for the kingdom of Jesus, many are called to evangelize, many are called to do missionary work, areas of visitation, assistance, teachers of the word. Never under estimate your value in the kingdom of God. Seek counsel in your prayers to God and guidance from your Pastor and begin your ministry in Jesus.
ReplyDeleteMaybe its just me but I found it very amazing that Mary and Joseph seem to forget for a time what Jesus was to become, but He knew there was plan to redeem men and he submitted to his parents authority. Even when they seem to lose focus on what He was to become but God never forgot. That’s s all that really matters right? What God thinks of you, not man for it seems they will always look for the worst in a person, but I think God doesn't look at what you are now, only what you will become.
John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is”.
When I read this I could only imagine the fear Mary had when she couldn't find Jesus. Then to replace that with a little sadness that he wanted to be in the temple more than at home. I can imagine that she had tucked away the fact that he was our savior in the back of her mind while she was raising a little boy and this brought back to her the reality that he was not meant to stay with her. But she took him home and enjoyed the time she would have with him.
ReplyDeleteThat is the way I saw the verses today as well Susan. I just cannot imagine looking for my son and not finding him. Taking a day's journey and him not with us. The fear that would grip her heart over her concern not knowing what happen to her child for three days. Then, to find my son in the temple safe and sound. The joy she must have felt! Then, to have Jesus tell her that He's in his Father's house and not really want to leave. Her human heart must have hurt a little bringing back the reality that this child is meant for the world, not just her life. I am sure that she realized that her time with Jesus would be short.
ReplyDeleteBTW...here is a couple of great sermons that John MacArthur did on this very subject. They are called "The Amazing Child Who Was God, Part 1 and the second one is Part 2 you can find them at gty.org
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