 |
To understand anyone, we need to start from the beginning. We have already discussed that Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity and as such had no beginning, he always existed. However; on earth, his physical body did have a beginning.
When God created the earth he knew that no man would be perfect and keep his commandments. God did, however; give man two chances and the ability to overcome sin. Adam and Eve were the first to sin. Sin became so bad following Adam and Eve that God saw no good in man except Noah. We are told Noah and his family found favor in God’s eyes. Man was given a second chance through Noah to be perfect but it was not long before Noah also sinned.
God still loved man very much and realized that the only human that would be able to be totally pure and without sin would have to be part God and part man. He would provide this Saviour himself through Virgin Mary.
Baby Jesus
Jesus’ entry into our world was a modest event. One could not have a more humble arrival than being delivered in a stable that housed animals. We are told that his Mother Mary wrapped him in rags not riches.
“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.” Luke 2:7
Although Jesus’ entry into our world was humble, he had a grand announcement group. Angels announced his birth to the Shepherds in the field.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 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. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:8-14
As God’s son, Jesus’ birth announcement was rather grand but notice who it was announced to. It was not brought before kings, politicians, or the wealthy. It was told to shepherds working in the field. This was another act of humbleness with a duo purpose. This mere action showed that God does not care about your status quo in life. Often people with less are more open to love and serving.
For years the shepherds had heard of the prophesies predicting the birth of their Saviour. After the angels left the shepherds did not just stand around and chit-chat. They immediately took off to verify his arrival.
“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:15-16
The shepherds did not keep the birth of their Messiah to themselves but went out into the world and told all they came across. They are the first to spread the gospel (good news).
“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” Luke 2:17-18
Another important fact regarding Jesus is that he was born into a Jewish family.
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6
According to Jewish law, baby boys were to be circumcised on the eighth day. As part man, Jesus was also required to follow all laws and purifications procedures.
“And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;”
Luke 2:21-22
Not only did Jesus have a spectacular birth announcement but a star guided three Wisemen from the east to his home. They brought gifts fitting a king to honor and worship him as God’s Son and Man’s Saviour. These Wisemen were well versed in the prophecies of Jesus and watched for the signs of his birth.
“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, 2 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. 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. . . 9 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. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 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.” Matthew 1-6, 9-11
Herod was a wicked king and wanted to stamp out any possible competition for his authority. God came to Joseph in a dream and told him to go to Egypt until he called his son out. Joseph obeyed and Jesus was taken out of harm’s way, however; Herod had ordered all children under the age of two to be murdered.
When God sent word that it was safe to return, Joseph settle in Nazareth. This is how he became known as a Nazarene.
“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.” Matthew 2:23
Child Jesus
Joseph was a carpenter by trade. That is how he supported his family and his family would be required to help him. Joseph raised Jesus as his own and as the oldest, he too would have been required to assist Joseph. We are given two verses to prove that both Joseph and Jesus were carpenters.
“Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” Matthew 13:55
“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.” Mark 6:3
Jesus would have started at an early age learning the trade of his earthly father. This would have been part of his experience to learn what it meant to be human. However; he was also was taught God’s word. Jesus was twelve when his parents lost him for thee days in Jerusalem at the feast of Passover. When they found Jesus, he was at the temple sitting amongst the teachers of the temple. He listened and asked intelligent questions that were far above his age level. The teachers were astonished by his understanding and answers to their questions.
“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.” Luke 2:46-47
Mary lectured Jesus on how worried they had been when they could not find him. I love his response in the following verses. Of course, they did not understand his reply and we would not have either if this was one of our children. But verse fifty-one gives us another characteristic quality of Jesus from birth. He went home with them and obeyed them.
“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.” Luke 2:49-51
In conclusion, although Jesus was God’s Son and our superior, he bore characteristics we all should possess. He was humble, followed man’s customs and laws, helped his family, and worked as a carpenter, he obeyed his parents. But his best quality was he studied God’s Word.
Stand Up for Jesus Christ 