TEXT: Luke 2:41-52

Introduction:
I. Jesus accompanied His parents to Jerusalem for Passover at age 12.
A. Upon return, Jesus remained in the city.
B. His parents after turning back discovered him in the Temple discussing religious matters with the Lawyers (Religious Law Experts).

II. He re-turned to Nazareth and appeared again at age 30.
A. What happened in Jerusalem was priceless, piercing and precious.
B. Consider this:
1. Mary sought after Him (2:45). For three days they searched (vs.46).
So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. (Luke 2:45)
a. What we fully expect from all godly parents was present in Joseph and Mary.
b. They sought Him and found Him!
c. Like the one separated from the 99, Jesus is precious.
d. Hannah reminds us that our children really belong to the Lord; they are with us for just a brief time.
e. We must keep them near and seek them when they are lost.
f. Thank God for children that are found—in a spiritual sense.
2. Mary spoke to Him (2:48).
So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously." (Luke 2:48)
a. Mary’s outburst of emotion is described with the word, “amazed” (i.e., astounded, shocked, knocked out); a demonstration of great concern!
b. It was concern that triggered her search and statement.
c. Much concern is present with mothers for their children, especially concern for their spiritual welfare.
d. May all mothers express heartfelt statements to their children to aid them in spiritual growth.
e. Jesus grew under Mary’s tutelage:
1). Mentally (“in wisdom”),
2). Physically (“in stature”),
3). Spiritually (“in favor with God”) and
4). Socially (“in favor with...man”).
3. Mary stored up memories of Him (2:51).
Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. (Luke 2:51)
a. Just as we see Jacob (Gen. 37:11) and Daniel (Dan. 7:28) treasured memories.
And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind. (Genesis 37:11)
b. Mary had already practiced memory treasuring twelve years earlier (2:19).
But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
c. These memories were likely retold many times to various ones; possibly even to Luke.
d. The telling and retelling of the Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah should be a regular matter among Christians.
e. We sing—I Love to Tell the Story OR Sing Me a Song about Jesus!
f. The memories of Jesus and meditation upon them are a vital part of Spiritual Growth (2 Pet. 3:18).
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. (2 Peter 3:18)
g. May we never forget all the Savior has done or said.
h. We must tell it again and again to all we encounter!

Conclusion:
1. Thank God for godly mothers!
2. Their heart is set on their children both physically and spiritually.
3. May God continue to bless this world with mothers that have the character, integrity and grace of Mary.

By Gary Murphy

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