“Spiritual Growth and Wisdom”
Luke 2:41-52
Introduction
- In order for us to obtain wisdom of God we must learn from the one who obtained the wisdom in human flesh.
- Do you want the wisdom of God? Look to Jesus.
I. The Wisdom of Christ
A) Where did Jesus wisdom come from?
- Any Christian who has been saved and coming to church to receive growth and wisdom knows where Jesus received His wisdom. It is of God.
- But we as gentiles do not understand the same way that the Jews do. The Jews are very fortunate and blessed of God to be called His “peculiar people” or “His chosen.”
- The question of Christ’s wisdom was first asked in Matthew 13:54 (KJV)…And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
- Another time was in Mark 6:2 (KJV)…And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
- Jesus being 12 years old in the temple at Jerusalem while his family was headed back home in Galilee after the feasts was finished.
- I want us to notice in our text verse of Luke 2 this morning particularly in verse 46…And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
- Where was Jesus at 12 years old? In the Temple. It was the house of God.
- This Temple was not perfect in the way it was teaching and its worship. But it is the house of God and that is where God expects His children to go for wisdom on the knowledge of God.
- Jesus sets the example. Jesus did not have to go there because He is God in the flesh. He knows the things of God.
- Paul speaking of Christ Jesus to the church at Colossae in Colossians 2:3 (KJV)…In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- And again to the church at Corinth in I Corinthians 1:24 (KJV)…But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
B) What Did Jesus learn of the doctors?
- Look at our text again of Luke 2:46…And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
- We already know that Jesus was in the temple. Please know that Jesus was not really allowed inside the temple because He was not a Levitical priest. Only priests of the tribe of Levi were allowed inside the Temple. Jesus was in the “courtyard of the Temple” where the men would often gather to discuss the things of God and His sheep.
- But now note that Jesus was “…sitting in the midst of the doctors,”.
- These were not physicians that healed the sick and lame. These were the doctors of “Divinity.” Doctors of God’s Word.
- Not too long ago we had Dr. Reggie Rempel with us at our 50th Anniversary of the church. Dr. Rempel is not a physician but rather a person that is well educated and inspired of God to preach and teach from God’s word having a high intellectual basis of wisdom concerning the things of God.
- So, looking at this verse 46, it makes us wonder… “What could Jesus (the son of God in the flesh) possibly learn from these doctors of Divinity (study of God)?
- I believe that Jesus was very respectful to the priests, rabbis and scribes because he was in the “midst (or center)” of them and not “in front” of them as if to be leading them.
- We also learn from Jesus that even the godliest people need to listen and ask questions as mentioned in verse 46… both hearing them, and asking them questions.
- Jesus was very brilliant in His questions to the doctors. Because I believe that He already knew the answers but wanted to see what they knew.
- So… What could Jesus learn from the doctors?
- How to respect your elders or those in authority over you no matter how much you know or think you know.
- Learn how much your teachers really do know.
- Learn of how they think.
- Learn of how to reach people for God.
- Learn what people think of God.
- Learn their traditions and why they hold to them.
C) Amazing others with our speech
- Luke 2:47 …And all that heard him were astonished (amazed) at his understanding and answers.
- These doctors (of Divinity) were astonished/amazed because Jesus seemed to them to have a special gift of the knowledge of God and how things should be.
- I personally believe that Jesus could have spouted off big prophecies, and detailed events of things that happened in the O.T. because He was there.
- Jesus had respect and honor for those in authority and held his tongue to speak only of things that were necessary.
- It would behoove us to be as David said in II Samuel 23:2 (KJV)…The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
- Allowing the Holy Spirit to speak for us and not our own wisdom speaking for us.
- We can amaze others in the kingdom of God by our speaking with the words of the Spirit of God.
- Any time you speak of lies, deceit, pride, and etc., then you are not speaking with the Spirit of God. It is of the devil.
II. The Fathers Business
A) Doing as God asks of us
- Now look again into our text of Luke 2: 48) And when they (Jesus’ parents) saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
- What Jesus’ mother (Mary) was asking is … “Why did you cause your mother to worry about you and all this time you were here bothering these godly men? You have caused your father and I much grief and sorrow thinking that something bad has happened to you.”
- Look at Jesus answer or reply to his mother’s question in verse 49) And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
- I believe that the lesson we should learn from this is that no matter our age whether 12, 21, or 121, we need to be busy about our Father’s (God) business.
- God’s business is “What God has called you to do.”
- To some of you God has called you to be a member who supports the work physically and monetarily. To others maybe to offer your talents that God gave to you. And some others of you maybe God has called you to be a future teacher or pastor of this deaf church in Wichita for the deaf that God will bring here.
B) Steps to Obtain wisdom
- I was on line and found a few tid-bits of knowledge and wish to share them with you…
- The steps to obtain wisdom are…
- To empty our self – Do not for a minute think you “know it all.” Allow others to teach you.
- Fill our self with God’s word – Don’t waste your time on all the knowledge this world has to offer. Focus on gaining wisdom of God’s word.
- Live in the fear of God – A truth to be grasped here is that it is pointless to have extensive biblical knowledge when we are clueless in applying that wisdom in our day to day lives.
- Ask God for wisdom – Asking God to give us wisdom. Many times God has the wisdom right in front of us but we work too hard trying to find it and never do on our own merit. When we ask God for help, He will see God bring certain people in our lives that will deliver His wisdom to us by opening our eyes to the truths that are in God’s word.
- However, the question remains on where do we all begin?
- Look at Proverbs 14:16…A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
- Only a fool will think that he knows it all and end up bury himself early.
- Look at the last part of our text verses 50) And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51) And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
- Do you see what Jesus did here? He went with His parents to Galilee to wait for the right time to have God lead Him at the right time.
- Be patient Christians, your time will come in His time. God will grant you the wisdom you need in His time, His way, and with His wisdom.
Silent Bible Baptist Church 