God’s Word of Wisdom
Introduction
Luke 2:39-52: After completing everything required by the Law, Mary and Joseph return to Nazareth with Jesus. The chapter concludes with the account of Jesus, at age 12, debating with the Jewish teachers in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Scripture Reading
The Return to Nazareth
39 When Joseph and Mary had finished doing all that was required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God’s blessings were upon him.
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41 Every year the parents of Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When Jesus was twelve years old, they went to the festival as usual. 43 When the festival was over, they started back home, but the boy Jesus stayed in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this; 44 they thought that he was with the group, so they traveled a whole day and then started looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 They did not find him, so they went back to Jerusalem looking for him. 46 On the third day they found him in the Temple, sitting with the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his intelligent answers. 48 His parents were astonished when they saw him, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you.”
49 He answered them, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand his answer.
51 So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.
Today’s Key Verse: Luke 2:52
Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.
Reflect
Reread verses 41-52. Why did Jesus stay behind in Jerusalem? What did the teachers think of him? Why were his parents astonished when they found him? What did they say (verse 48)? What was Jesus’s response (verse 49)? Verses 40 and 52 speak of Jesus’s wisdom. As stated in Proverbs 9:10, “To be wise you must first have reverence for the LORD. If you know the Holy One, you have understanding.” In what way does your daily encounter with Scripture fill you with wisdom?
Pray
Lord God, just as your beloved Son Jesus grew in body and wisdom, teach me your ways and guide me in my faith journey so that I continue to grow in knowledge of you. Daily will I praise you and offer my reverence to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Matthew 1:1-25: Matthew gives an account of Jesus’s ancestors and an account of Jesus’s birth.