Luke 2:39-40
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 2:39-40 noting anything that stands out or any questions that arise as you read.
In just a couple of sentences, Luke shows us how up until this visit to Jerusalem, Jesus’ earthly family lived a relatively normal a life. His mother, Mary, would have been primarily responsible for Jesus’ day-to-day care and instruction in his early years, but by twelve he would begin to spend more time with Joseph learning his father’s trade.
His earthly parents were aware that Jesus was the promised Messiah - they knew that his conception had been miraculous, and there had been other confirmations along the way. And clearly, they had shared these facts with him as he learned the Jewish Scriptures. But their understanding of what all of this really meant was limited.
Stop to think about how you approach the Scriptures. Do you come with preconceived notions about what you will learn or what you will hear from God when you read the Bible? Or do you approach the Scriptures with humility realizing that your understanding is limited? Talk with Jesus about this for a moment.
Read Luke 2:39-40 again.
Jesus wasn’t born aware of who he was – he had laid aside his right to be God when he came to earth (Philippians 2:6-7). But when he heard the stories of Mary and Joseph and studied the Scriptures, he obviously recognized that he was the Son of God. He understood the Scriptures on a deeper level than his earthly parents, and he embraced his true identity and purpose. But he continued to humble himself and trust God for the timing.
Our understanding of the world and of our identity is largely shaped by our upbringing and experiences, and because we are all born into a world that’s been broken by human rebellion, our ability to see and understand clearly is flawed. Though Jesus was born into broken humanity, he never rebelled against God’s good and perfect ways, so his ability to understand life, the Scriptures, and his identity were not clouded by sin.
Only Jesus can correct our thinking and give us deeper understanding of Scripture and of life. And only as we follow Jesus closely and listen to his Spirit can we begin to see clearly.
For the remaining minutes in this time of reflection, get still and let your thoughts settle. Notice how you are feeling in this moment. Starting from whatever emotion you identify, enter into a conversation with Jesus. Be sure to listen as much as you speak.
What might Jesus want you to learn or do today?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
