INTERESTING FACTS : John Adams - born October 30 [October 19, Old Style], 1735, Braintree [now in Quincy], Massachusetts [U.S.] died July 4, 1826, Quincy. Early advocate of American independence from Great Britain, major figure in the Continental Congress (1774-77), author of the Massachusetts constitution (1780), signer of the Treaty of Paris (1783), first American ambassador to the Court of St. James (1785-88), first vice president (1789-97) and second president (1797-1801) of the United States. Although Adams was regarded by his contemporaries as one of the most significant statesmen of the revolutionary era, his reputation faded in the 19th century, only to ascend again during the last half of the 20th century.[1]

 

"We electors have an important constitutional power placed in our hands; we have a check upon two branches of the legislature . . . the power I mean of electing at stated periods [each] branch. . . . It becomes necessary to every [citizen] then, to be in some degree a statesman, and to examine and judge for himself of the tendency of political principles and measures. Let us examine, then, with a sober, a manly . . . and a Christian spirit; let us neglect all party [loyalty] and advert to facts; let us believe no man to be infallible or impeccable in government any more than in religion; take no man's word against evidence, nor implicitly adopt the sentiments of others who may be deceived themselves, or may be interested in deceiving us."[2]

 

Daily Reading : Luke 2 - 3

 

TEXT : Luke  2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.  2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.  2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.  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.  2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.  2:48 And when they 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.  2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?  2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.  2:51 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.  2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

 

THEME : Jesus' Life and Ministry

 

Luke 2 

 

The decree of Augustus to enroll all the Roman empire, Luk_2:1, Luk_2:2. Joseph and Mary go to their own city to be enrolled, Luk_2:3-5. Christ is born, Luk_2:6, Luk_2:7. His birth is announced to the shepherds, Luk_2:8-14. They go to Bethlehem, and find Joseph, Mary, and Christ, Luk_2:15-20. Christ is circumcised, Luk_2:21. His parents go to present him in the temple, Luk_2:22-24. Simeon receives him: his song, Luk_2:25-35. Anna the prophetess, Luk_2:36-38. The holy family return to Nazareth, Luk_2:39, Luk_2:40. They go to Jerusalem at the feast of the passover, and leave Jesus behind in Jerusalem, Luk_2:41-44. They return seeking him, and find him in the midst of the doctors, Luk_2:45-47. His mother chides him, Luk_2:48. His defense of his conduct, Luk_2:49, Luk_2:50. They all return to Nazareth, Luk_2:51, Luk_2:52. [Adam Clarke][3]

 

Luke 3 

 

Nothing is related concerning our Lord Jesus from his twelfth year to his entrance on his thirtieth year. We often think it would have been a pleasure and advantage to us if we had journals, or at least annuls, of occurrences concerning him; but we have as much as Infinite Wisdom thought fit to communicate to us, and, if we improve not that, neither should we have improved more if we had had it. The great intention of the evangelists was to give us an account of the gospel of Christ, which we are to believe, and by which we hope for salvation: now that began in the ministry and baptism of John, and therefore they hasten to give us an account of that. We could wish, perhaps, that Luke had wholly passed by what was related by Matthew and Mark, and had written only what was new, as he has done in his two first chapters. But it was the will of the Spirit that some things should be established out of the mouth, not only of two, but of three witnesses; and we must not reckon it a needless repetition, nor shall we do so if we renew out meditations upon these things, with suitable affections. In this chapter we have,  I. The beginning of John's baptism, and the scope and intention of it (Luk_3:1-6). His exhortation to the multitude (Luk_3:7-9), and the particular instructions he gave to those who desired to be told their duty (Luk_3:10-14).  II. The notice he gave them of the approach of the Messiah (Luk_3:15-18), to which is added (though it happened after what follows) the mention of his imprisonment (Luk_3:19-20).  III. Christ coming to be baptized of John, and his entrance therein upon the execution of his prophetical office (Luk_3:21, Luk_3:22).  IV. His pedigree and genealogy recorded up to Adam (v. 23-38). [Matthew Henry][4]

 

TRUTH FOR TODAY : "JESUS ALWAYS FULFILLED THE FATHER'S WILL."

 

There was never a time - not one day, not one hour, not even one second - when Jesus did not fulfill the Fathers will.  At all times throughout his life, He obeyed His Father.  There has never been a man or woman who has accomplished this feat.  Complete obedience was the mindset of Jesus Christ.  This is why He will tell his disciples -"my meat is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."[5]  This is the life and ministry of Jesus Christ -fulfilling the Fathers will.

 

Sometimes, the naiveté of new parents - whether a father or mother, brings forth the mistaken belief that their child will always do what is right.  Apparently, by either the providence or wisdom of Almighty God, it has seemed good in His sight not to permit parents to know the truth. Specifically, even a little child is born with a sin nature.  It is not that the Scriptures do not state this plainly, it is simply that the love and hope of a father or mother - for whatever reason, does not allow them to see the obvious.  Namely, "All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God." If more reflection and contemplation were given by a new parent, you could expect the parent to draw a logical conclusion about their own baby.  That is, in one way or another, their child will not always obey or fulfilled their will. Once again, love and hope - all along with a host of pleasant thoughts and emotions, cloud the mind and intellect from discovering the truth about sin and human beings.

 

Jesus is different.  Fully God and fully man, He always fulfills the will of the Father.  That is, His Father.  Never once did He disobey.  However,  though the Scriptures are plain that he submitted himself to Joseph and Mary, the Holy Scriptures are equally clear that there were times Jesus acted in a manner that was not in the mind, heart, or will of his earthly parents.  You see this in the text above.  At the age of 12, Jesus is found doing the will of his Heavenly Father much to the chagrin of his earthly father and mother.  They are worried about his disappearance. In addition, when they find Him they ask why He did this to them.  His answer is - "I must be about my Father's business." Curiously, Jesus prefaces his answer with - "why did you seek Me?" This question is indeed a mystery to the human mind, since any parent would look for a child that is lost.   Once again, what parent in their right mind and proper state of emotions and natural feelings would not look for a missing child?  Yet, Jesus proposes that very question.  Namely, "why" are you looking for me?  You understand that Jesus has a higher obligation to his Heavenly Father.  Therefore, they did not understand His explanation for being absent, but the Bible says Mary remembered it in her heart.  The fact that Jesus asked "why" is a clue (not only to Mary and Joseph, but also to you as well) to the life He came not only to live, but also to "give."

 

Prior to this, as you have read, there are prophecies about Jesus life and ministry, given by Simeon and Anna.  These prophecies of course are not Old Testament prophecies. They are part of the New Testament.  Specifically, Mary is told that a sword shall pierce her heart (no doubt, because she is a woman and especially a mother) because of the life of her Son Jesus Christ.  As you know, she was one of the few people - primarily women, who were at the foot of his cross when He died for the sins of humanity.  Truly, from the beginning, this virgin teen would be worried, concerned, and grieved at the behavior and ultimate crucifixion of her "baby."

 

For example, there was a period of in the life of Jesus of Nazareth when his friends and family (this includes Mary) sought Him no doubt; believing or assuming Jesus had lost his mind.  For this reason, they came to take him, presumably to bring him home, help him to rest, and recover from his "delusional" thinking and subsequent teaching.

 

Mar 3:21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. Mar 3:30  Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. Mar 3:31  There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. Mar 3:32  And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. Mar 3:33  And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? Mar 3:34  And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! Mar 3:35  For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

 

Yet, once again as it was when he was 12 years old (in the Gospel of Mark chapter 3, Jesus is about 30 years old), Jesus' answer is a mystery to them who heard it.  His response - that those who do with the will of God (His Father) are his brothers, sisters, and "mother" - was not immediately comprehended by his family and friends.  You can understand what He meant perhaps, but try to think how this statement sounded when He first uttered it to those who were troubled and concerned about His welfare and mental health.

 

It takes much thought to gain an understanding of the Holy Scriptures.  You have to read them carefully.  Otherwise, you miss much that is in the text.  In this case, the sorrow and often melancholy mood of Mary, who from the beginning was startled by the announcement that she would have a child without "knowing" a man, to the end when she heard Jesus say - "it is finished, "as He languished in agony on Roman cross. Throughout His life, many strange and wonderful things occurred as Jesus healed, saved, and delivered lost men and women.  Yet, do not lose sight of how this affected those who loved him dearly.  Even the Apostle Peter did not want Jesus to go to the cross.[6]  You can understand their sentiments.  Yet, had Jesus not come and do the things He did - especially dying on the cross, raise Himself from the dead, and promise to come again - you would have no hope.

 

Therefore, be grateful Jesus always did the will of the Father and not the will of men and women.  However, as a follower of Jesus Christ, He instructs you to do the same - as you read above in the Gospel of Mark chapter 3.  All of Christ's followers are told they too must do the will of the Father.  This of course, will not always please men and women - no matter who they may be.  Yet, you have Jesus for an example as well as your Savior.