Bible Pathways 10/21/2003
October 21
Read Luke 2 -- 3
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 have You thus dealt with us? behold, Your father and I have sought You sorrowing (2:48). Jesus calmly explained to Mary His reason for being in the Temple, saying: How is it that you sought Me? knew you 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 Father also caused Him to return to Nazareth where He was subject (obedient) to 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 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 various authorities.
Let every soul (person) be subject to 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 resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (condemnation) (Romans 13:1-2).
Word Studies:
2:7 wrapped Him in swaddling clothes = to wrap with cloth, implying special care is given to Him; 2:46 doctors = scholars, the Rabbis; 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 12:8. Luke 2:32: See Isaiah 9:2; 42:6; 49:6. Luke 3:4-6: See Isaiah 40:3-5.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Pam Pendergrast · Pray for Barbara Waddell, National Day of Prayer Advisory Board · Government Officials: Rep. Jerry Lewis (CA) and Rep. Patrick Tiberi (OH) · Country: Vatican City (900) in Rome, Italy · Major languages: Italian and Latin · Religious freedom · Approximately 100% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Believe that what God promises, He will bring to pass (Genesis 15:1-6 & 21:1-3).
Memory Verse for the Week: II Corinthians 9:8
