The Early Years Of Our Lord On Earth (Part 2)

by M. Archibald, Glasgow, Scotland | Category: Growing In Grace And Wisdom | Dec 1986

From Luke

The writer whom the apostle calls "our dear friend Luke, the doctor" (Col. 4:14, NIV) investigates "everything from the beginning ... to write an orderly account", so as to establish the "certainty" of his greatest "case-history "

He thus opens with the remarkable parallel case of the birth of John. He then details the care that Joseph and Mary took to observe the Law (2:21-24). After circumcision on the eighth day, and a further thirty three for purification (Lev. 12:4), came the journey from Nazareth to Jerusalem (estimated to require three days) to make offering, and to present the firstborn to the Lord. Here is the beautiful lesson of the free giving of so much more than the tithe of duty. The Law required that Mary bring the offering "to the door of the tent of meeting". But to present the Child to the Lord is surely the outcome of the parents' delight in the example of Hannah, which we understand had given rise among the devout to the custom of bringing the child. Naturally, in unweaned days, mother and child would hardly be parted. (Here we do well to reflect on the Creator's design for closeness in the early days, and

indeed years, again commended by recent medical and developmental studies of this bond. But in this case can we understand any less than the full force of the words "to present him to the Lord" (Luke 2:22)? Did not Mary show appreciation of Exodus 13:2 - "Sanctify unto Me all the firstborn ... it is Mine"?

"And the Child grew..." If we wish to assess how far we have grown spiritually, a good test is to read 1 Peter 2, and note how deeply we care about those descriptions of citizens of the holy nation. We may think ourselves sensitive enough about envy or "evil speaking". We may regularly express our thankfulness for having tasted that the Lord is gracious. But what is our honest response to the lofty, searching themes of a spiritual house, or a people for God's own possession? The apostle's prescription for lack of progress or depth is to seek again the pure milk of the Word.

"... and waxed strong" - surely a separate matter from simply growing. How able are we for the hard work that always awaits us in the churches of God? Some might answer, "When I'm rather older". But it often takes a young person to bring the young (though fortunately some are brought by older people). Further, a strong incentive to search out the Scriptures, the teaching of the Kingdom, and the path of discipleship, is to undertake the hazards of witnessing to others.

"... becoming full of wisdom" (RMV). Paul writes in 1 Cor. 13:11, "... now that I am become a man, I have put away childish things". Perhaps parents' greatest fear is to see their family growing in body and mind, and yet increasingly taken up with "childish things" - the lusts of the flesh, of the mind and the eyes, and the vainglory of life. By contrast, the love of the Father was in Christ, as He caused that "body prepared" to serve m that which abides, and is for the welfare of other people. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". This reverence is the companion of a sincere desire and love for the Lord our God. With these things in our hearts, we will know more of "a mind at leisure from itself". We shall then appreciate more the divine life that is to be discerned in others, as we are guided by the greatest Textbook.

"And the grace of God was upon Him". So it was with Joseph: "And his master saw that the LORD was with him ... And Joseph found grace in his sight" (Gen. 39:3,4). So also with David: "And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him ... all Israel and Judah loved David" (1 Sam. 18:14, 15). Wisdom leads to grace.

"And His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Pass-

over". So it was no mere preparation at the age of 12 for the next year, when, according to Jewish history, it was the custom to regard youths as coming under obligation to the Law. At such festivals came the reminder that the firstborn belonged to God (Ex. 13:11-16). It may be, however, that there was special emphasis on the twelfth year, answered by the Lord's readiness to become engrossed in the pursuit of understanding the sacred writings. It is instructive, and cautionary, to note that the Spirit refrains from any blame for the omission to ensure that the eldest son was in the departing company. May we deduce that Joseph and Mary had come to trust in His sense of responsibility, and did not inquire after Him as they otherwise would? He certainly seemed to think it right to follow the days of the festival with further study.

"And He was subject to them". Let us consider again the loved record of this subjection to those who at times "understood not". Such patient grace was profoundly honouring to God, and so it will be with succeeding generations. Those who cultivate this character can be divinely used as other's cannot.

"And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature" (RVM, age, suggesting maturity). He already had wisdom; so this is an increasingly rich experience of the blessing God bestows on obedience to Him. "... and in favour with God and men". Have we tasted of this, in prayer, in worship, or in daily business? Here is the target!

From John

Thus the Lord appears on the pages of John, as the Light, the Eternal Word; not to be acclaimed as champion of Israel against oppressing Rome, but as the humble Lamb. But it was this lowly One who was able to take away the sin of the world. He humbled Himself, and therefore was strong to do the will of the Father.

He comes to the banks of the Jordan at the age of about 30 at which age a Levite was deemed ready "to bear the charge of the sanctuary" in the exacting wilderness days. Two disciples of John wished that day to accompany the Master to His home. What degree of spiritual life stirs in us, so that we desire to serve the Son over God's house?

For this service we must learn obedience, through things such as those He suffered, so as to grow in wisdom and grace, and to come nearer to being accounted faithful in all God's house; childlike in fulness of faith, yet in the zeal of the house, quitting ourselves like men.

M. Archibald, Glasgow, Scotland | Dec 1986
Growing In Grace And Wisdom