His Life On Earth
In this message, Stephen discusses the early life of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing the importance of understanding Christ not only historically but also spiritually. He highlights Jesus' growth from childhood to adulthood, noting that He was filled with wisdom and God's grace. Stephen explains that Jesus' childhood experiences were essential for His development, as He grew in a humble environment, learning from His parents and the Scriptures. He stresses the significance of providing children with a moral and spiritual upbringing, alongside physical needs. Stephen also reflects on Jesus' public ministry, which began at age thirty after a period of hidden preparation. He emphasizes that Jesus identified with humanity through His baptism, despite being sinless, and that His life serves as a model for believers. The message concludes with the reminder that Christ lives in believers, empowering them to fulfill their ministry and live according to God's will. Stephen encourages the congregation to recognize their identity as children of God and to grow in their relationship with Him.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction to Jesus' early life in Luke
- Importance of knowing Christ historically and spiritually
- Jesus' growth in wisdom and grace
- Significance of moral and spiritual upbringing for children
- Jesus' hidden years and preparation for ministry
- Identification with humanity through baptism
- Christ as a model for believers
- Empowerment of believers through Christ's life
- Encouragement to recognize identity as children of God
40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
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.
16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
