Harmony Highlights 2
Event 11: Young Jesus Teaches in the Temple
Harmony Highlights 2
Based on Event 11 in the Concise Harmony of the Four Gospels
Notes: Biblical texts are from the King James Version. If no text is given, the event is not mentioned by that author. Reference links lead to alternate translations. Event numbers and locations match the Concise Harmony. Lowercase letters after references indicate a suggested priority or order.
Event #11: Young Jesus teaches in the temple.
Location: Jerusalem (South)
Matthew
Mark
Luke 2:41-52 (Link to NKJV)
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 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. 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. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 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. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 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. 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? 50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 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. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
John
Notes and Insights
The fact that the doctors of the law were astonished by his understanding and answers is striking because Jesus was born with the veil of forgetfulness common to all, and received not of the fulness at first, but grew from grace to grace, as verified in verse 52. He had to learn who he was and what he was supposed to do. His response to Mary at the temple showed that he understood his true identity and mission by the time he was twelve years old. Following Christ includes fulfillment of our identity and potential.
Study Questions
(1) What experience or insight have you had related to this event?
(2) What principle(s) does this event teach you?
(3) What do you love about this event, and why?
(4) How can you apply this event to your life?
© Copyright 2024 Gene Van Shaar