One Verse at a Time

This episode looks at Luke 2:51, “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” Hearts that savor God’s goodness overflow in obedience to his commands. May God give us these kinds of hearts.

This episode looks at Luke 2:50, “And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.” Mary and Joseph didn’t understand God’s plan unfolding in their son. When we only see small pieces of God’s will in our own lives, may we have hearts to still worship God.

This episode looks at Luke 2:49, “And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Jesus came to carry out the divine plan, and he did so perfectly in every way. We worship him for this!

This episode looks at Luke 2:48, “And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” Mary and Joseph are rightfully upset and worried about their lost son, but they allow that to cause them to miss what God is up to with Jesus in the temple. May we avoid that fate by God’s grace.

This episode looks at Luke 2:47, “And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.” All will be amazed, but only some will worship. May we be among those who not only marvel at Christ but also step further up and further into his majesty.

This episode looks at Luke 2:46, “After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Jesus stays in Jerusalem so that he can remain in the place where God meets man and learn more about God in dialogue with teachers. May we emulate this desire.

This episode looks at Luke 2:45, “and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.” Once they realize he is gone, they immediately go searching for him. May we do the same by going to the places we have seen him before and the places he has said he will be.

This episode looks at Luke 2:44, “but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search form among their relatives and acquaintances.” In this case, the community failed. But as a general principle, we should develop and take part in strong communities for the sake of building up the next generation well.

This episode looks at Luke 2:43, “And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it.” Sometimes we leave Jesus behind and don’t even notice. God help us.

This episode looks at Luke 2:42, “And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.” Jesus obeyed the law with perfect righteousness, and so through faith in him we both have our sins atoned for AND Christ’s righteousness credited to our account. We thank him for this and ask for grace to walk according to his law by the power of his Spirit in us.