A FEW VERSES OF SCRIPTURE ON THE BOYHOOD OF JESUS SHOUT WITH AN ELOQUENCE BEYOND ELABORATE DESCRIPTION

1. Luke, the Beloved physician, tells of the humanity of Jesus- tender, but of certainty-1:4
2. The source of Luke's message had to be from the memories of Mary- v.51, how precious!
3. If Jesus is our example, to be copied by every person- we need to know it is for all ages!

Whatever your age, there is a message in the life of Jesus for you- toddler, beginner, primary, Jr, Youth,  etc.

I.- ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO THE LAW v. 39 - age 1-12

If you are conscious enough to listen then ask yourself, how was Jesus at my age?

A.- FROM BABYHOOD, 0-12, THE WORD OF GOD TELLS US OF HIS TREATMENT BY HIS PARENTS, & GROWTH

1. Child life in Israel is written in Josephus- & Alfred Edersheim -respect for parents- 5th Commandment
2. First education, from arms of Mary- Rab. wrote "Those who have suckled God's love at Mother's breast"
3. Many great mothers recorded in Scripture- much entrusted to them- Lois, Eunice- II Tim 3:15

B.-THE FAMILY OF JESUS, LIKE THAT OF ALL IN ISRAEL, WIELDED A GREAT INFLUENCE- TIGHT, DISCIPLINE

1. The year was divided with religious feasts and observances- yearly taught to all Israel
2. From swaddling clothes the child was taught to worship and respect God. Family unit important
3. A birthday text- beginning with letters of the name,- hymns, Psalms, even games with Word

C.- IF THEY PERFORMED ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO THE LAW (39) AND THE CHILD GREW, WHAT OF YOUR MEMORY?

1. I wonder if Jesus ever suffered cramps in his little legs from too much running, Or playing
2. The normal childhood accidents- did they happen? I was scalded, tore a finger -Did Jesus?
3. But we can know that as a child, He was taught God's Word as any other Israeli child

For Mary and Joseph were devout parents in a land where life centered in the home- your home?

II.- AND THE CHILD GREW  V. 40 (from age 12)

So much is given about the trip to the temple, but let's look at some other items

A.- EVERY AGE HAS ITS OWN CHARACTERISTICS, AND WE CAN EXPECT THAT JESUS EXPERIENCED THEM ALL

1. The Toddler- God's love especially reaches out-they love so purely, with such great faith
2. Beginners- Facts don't stick long, but impressions of love, faith, prayer last a lifetime
3. Primary- Small decisions- right or wrong; can be guided, but watch out! Can come to Jesus
4. Junior- So full of life-curiosity, open, believing hearts, faith in heroes,-men & God! Can be cruel
5. Youth- Rapid transition: idealistic, willing to challenge God -or Satan- which for you?
6. Young adults- choosing their life, helpmate, & work; ready to make world over- build!
7. Jesus never knew old age, disillusionment, despair, or resting on blessed hope- life pattern

B.- JESUS HAD BEEN IN THE SYNAGOGUE SCHOOL FROM THE AGE OF 5 or 6, TRAINED BY A TEACHER - Rabbi

1. It was unlawful for a Jew to live in town without school- Jerusalem fell because schools were corrupt
2. The Hebrew school- strict, earnestness- object: to keep child from vice; train to gentleness; show sin as repulsive, train to strict truthfulness, purity; with goal of great knowledge
3. Up until 12 years- the Bible was the exclusive text book- a teacher surrounded by pupils-

C.- JESUS IN HIS TRIP TO THE TEMPLE AT 12 ASTOUNDED THE DOCTORS WITH HIS UNDERSTANDING

1. This is the only place where there was a recorded rebuke by Mary- v.48, & a hurt heart (don't you try)
2. His only answer- v.49, then the plain words of v. 51- He was subject unto them!

III.- AND JESUS INCREASED IN WISDOM & STATURE v.52

This verse says so little, yet so much for every person, at every age! List to His voice

A.- JESUS INCREASED - GOD EXPECTS PROGRESS IN EVERY LIFE, AND IT IS TERRIBLE WHEN WE DECAY

1. What is the next step of your spiritual development- why not take it now?  Step forward
2. If you do not plan to increase in the love and service of God- Satan will take you other way

B.- JESUS GREW IN WISDOM AND STATURE - SHOWING FULNESS OF GROWTH IN EVERY PART

1. God does not downgrade intellectual pursuits- get the best education you can- Jews did & do
2. The physical growth is also important- spend the time at the right time & increase your life

C.- HE GREW IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND MAN - V.52b HONEST BEFORE GOD AND MAN - II Cor 8:21

1. Notice that God is placed first - Jesus was submissive to his earthly parents, & heavenly
2. Honor before God involves honesty before men- and Jesus was known with favor by men!

Whatever your life, and your circumstance- Jesus has cut the path for you-"In His Steps"

AS YOU STUDY THE LIFE OF JESUS, PERHAPS YOU NEED TO ALTER THE COURSE OF YOUR DESTINY, FOLLOW HIM?

1. Yours is the choice whatever your age- will you be faithful to God- trusting Jesus?
2. The normal footsteps of life's development- have been trod By Jesus- for you!
3. Whatever your next step- He leads the way.-