Return to Index.

Jesus-The Early Years-Part Two
March 14, 2020

As we continue to prepare for the Spring Holy Days, it is appropriate for us to consider the life of Jesus Christ. Last week we began a review of his life up to his birth, and this week we will continue the study up to age twelve. We will be reading passages that many might read around Christmas; we’ll find out the evidence shows Jesus was born in the warmer summer months, most likely late summer, not the December birthday celebrated as Christmas. We know that Jesus was born in Bethlehem because of the census and taxation, and historical records reflect this was done during the warmer months of the year, not during the winter months. We know that when Jesus was born, the shepherds overnighted in the fields with their flocks, something that was done during the warmer months.

Luke 2:1-14
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

When Jesus was born, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem and visited with Herod the king. Because they came looking for the King of the Jews, Herod became worried. He couldn’t allow anyone to challenge his authority because he would look bad to the Roman leadership. He sent the wise men on their way to find the King of the Jews with the idea that after this person was found, they would return to Jerusalem and tell him how to find the person, and then he would be killed by Herod’s army. Instead they left the country after seeing Jesus. Joseph was warned by an angel to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt, which he did. Herod was so outraged, that he killed all children age two and under. Only after Herod died did Joseph return from Egypt with Mary and Jesus and they settled in Nazareth to get away from the political power in Jerusalem.

Matthew 2:1-23
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, and we next catch up to him when he is twelve years old and his parents take him to Passover in Jerusalem. When it was time to return home Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was part of the large group traveling home and at the end of the first day of traveling, they realized Jesus was not with the group. They returned to Jerusalem and it took them two more days to find Jesus in the temple. While they were happy he was alive, they were angry that he had not left and did not understand when he said he was doing his Father’s business, because Joseph thought he was headed home with them. While at the temple they did see Jesus interact with the religious elite and were amazed at how he handled himself. Jesus left the religious discussion and returned home with his mother and father, and Mary though amazed at what she saw kept everything to herself.

Luke 2:40-52
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 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. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 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. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 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. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 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. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

When we continue this study of the life of Jesus next week, we will transition from Jesus as a child to an adult, and so next week, we will continue this study of the life of Jesus Christ in preparation for the Christian Passover which is coming up in early April.

All verses are from the King James Version.
This site provided by Tom Laign. To all who may believe differently, I also extend peace and love.
Copyright and Legal Information
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information