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"Luke’s summary of Jesus’ boyhood"
Saturday, 6 January 2018
Luke 2:39 When Yosef and Miryam had finished doing everything required by the Torah of Adonai, they returned to the Galil, to their town Natzeret.
40 The child grew and became strong and filled with wisdom — God’s favor was upon him.
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Luke was the only gospel writer to give us even a glimpse into the years of Jesus' childhood. (Some later gospels tried to imaginatively fill in some of the gaps, and occasionally generate headlines today. But none of them have any strong claim to eyewitness reliability.) Luke added the story of Jesus in the temple at age 12, which we studied two weeks ago (cf. Luke 2:41-52). There he wrote that Jesus remained obedient to Joseph (as his earthly father) and Mary for 18 more years.
Ø Luke showed Jesus as a dutiful, but far from ordinary, son. According to verse 40 (and expanded on a bit in verse 52), Jesus grew mentally, physically, and spiritually during his years in Nazareth. In which of these areas did you experience the most growth during 2017? Ask God to guide you as you look toward your “growing edge” in these areas of life. Ask for wisdom and courage as you fill out your plans to continue growing in 2018.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I’m thankful for your presence in my life, for the fruit you are bearing in me. Please continue to guide and empower me so I can choose a life with you that is worth living.
Amen.
Family Activity: God is always with us—though too often we aren’t aware of God’s presence. Review with your family the story of Simeon and Anna recognizing Jesus in the Temple. Then at supper (or other days’ end activity), ask each member of your family where he or she saw God that day, with questions like, “Where did you see God at work today?” or “In what or whom did you experience God’s presence today?” Do this for at least a week, and consider making it a part of family life. You might create a journal or a banner where you illustrate or write out some of your responses. Each month, review the ways you have each experienced God. Help each person become increasingly aware of God’s presence in his or her life. Thank God for being a constant and faithful presence.
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Mike AshMike Ash is the worship leader and Director of Community Life at Resurrection's Blue Springs location.
Most of us have probably wondered what Jesus was like as a child. Luke tells us that he grew up, became strong, was full of wisdom and God’s favor was upon him.
I’m the father of four. My youngest son will turn 15 next month. He is going through a growth spurt. We can see the physical changes right before our eyes. But he is also experiencing growing pains. His knees are swollen and he’s moving up a weight class on the wrestling team. It’s a reminder that pain and discomfort aren’t always a bad thing. Growth is good, and it means that a new season of life is happening.
With the beginning of a new year it’s helpful to look at the past year and take note of the good things, the hard things and the lessons that we’ve learned. Sometimes it’s difficult to see in the moment that God is at work.
In Philippians 1:6 Paul writes that we can be confident that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion. God is working in us and through us even when we aren’t aware of it.
A friend of mine shared this practice, and it’s been helpful for me as I move into a new year. These four questions are one way of using the prayer of Examen:
- Recall: Recount the past year as best as you can.
- Rejoice: Give thanks for God’s blessing and help.
- Repent: Wherever sinful patterns or habits become clear.
- Reboot: How can I become more like Jesus this coming year?
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Prayer Requests – cor.org/prayer
Prayers for Peace & Comfort for:
•Sandi Morgan and family on the death of her mother Lois Kinnaw, 12/22
•Family and friends of Patricia “Pat” Arlund on her death, 12/22
• Julie Jarnevic and family on the death of her sister Teresa Enenbach, 12/21
•Family and friends of Glenna House on her death, 12/21
•Sharon Bryant and family on the death of her husband Tom Bryant, 12/19
•Rea Wilson and family on the death of her husband Dave Wilson, 12/18
•Bailey Amtower and David Wilson III and families on the death of their father Dave Wilson, 12/18
•Family and friends of Dan Williams on his death, 12/18
•Walt McKenzie and family on the death of his sister-in-law Donna J. Robinson, 12/16
•Family and friends of EmmaLee Miller on her death, 12/11
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The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
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Leawood, Kansas 66224, United States
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