Batesville Daily Guard

IMPROVED UNIFORM INTERNATIONAL Sunday School Lesson
(By REV. P.B. FITZWATER, D.D., Dean of the Evening School of Moody Bible Institute of Chicago)
(© 1924, Western Newspaper Union)
Lesson for July 13
THE BOYHOOD OF JESUS
LESSON TEXT—Luke 2:40-52.
GOLDEN TEXT—"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."—Luke 2:52.
PRIMARY TOPIC—The Boy Jesus in God's House.
JUNIOR TOPIC—The Boy Jesus.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC—A Four-Fold Life,
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC—Lessons From the Boyhood of Jesus.
I. Jesus Growing (v. 40).
While Jesus Christ was God, yet His deity did not interfere with His development as a human being. The processes of His physical, mental and spiritual growth were the same as in any normal human being.
1. "Grew and Waxed Strong." It was necessary for His body to develop. His brain, nerves and muscles must not only attain unto their proper size but must come to act together, become correlated.
2. "Filled With Wisdom." His training was largely in the hands of His mother. She was a Bible woman, as evinced by her song of praise when it was announced to her that God's favor was to come upon her. She was, therefore, a suitable teacher. She, no doubt, taught Him to commit Bible verses to memory and taught Him the great stories of the Old Testament from the creation through the patriarchs and prophets.
3. "And the Grace of God Was Upon Him." By the grace of God doubtless is meant God's loving favor and tender care.
II. Jesus Tarrying Behind at Jerusalem (vv. 41-43).
At the age of twelve years the Jewish child took His place as a worshiper in the temple. He was then considered "a child of the law." Being conscious of His mission, when His mother and Joseph were returning from attendance at the Passover, Jesus tarried behind in the temple and inquired into the meaning of the ordinances of God's house. He had an alert, eager mind which inquired after truth, especially the truth concerning His Father's house. His heart yearned for His Father.
III. Jesus Found in the Temple (vv. 44-47).
When His mother and Joseph had gone some distance on their return journey they perceived that Jesus was not with them and sought for Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. Not finding Him there, they returned to Jerusalem, where they found Him in the temple.
1. He Was Sitting (v. 46). This shows that He was no passing visitor or sightseer. He was perfectly at home in His Father's house.
2. He Was Hearing the Teachers of God's Word (v. 46). This shows that He was eager to learn God's will.
3. He Asked Questions (v. 46). His growing mind was inquisitive. It more than received what was taught. It inquired after truth.
4. He Answered Questions (v. 47). His answers showed great wisdom, such as to astonish those who heard Him, yet we should not surmise that He was consciously displaying His wisdom. It was not an exhibition of His divine wisdom, but the expression of the workings of a perfect human mind suffused by the Holy Spirit.
IV. Mary's Complaining (vv. 48-50).
She remonstrated with Him for His behavior. To this He replied in a dignified, yet tender manner. He made no apology, showing that He was more than the son of Mary. God was His Father. Though Mary did not understand these things, as a wise mother she kept them in her heart.
V. Jesus' Obedience (v. 51).
Though He was fully conscious of His divine being and mission he lived a life full of filial obedience, thus teaching us that obedience to parents is pleasing to God and a duty which will be discharged faithfully by those who have the Spirit of Christ.
VI. Jesus' Development (v. 52).
1. Mental. He increased in wisdom. Although the divine nature was united with the human, the human was left free to develop as a normal human mind.
2. Physical. He increased in stature. This shows that His body developed according to the laws of a normal human.
3. Spiritual. He increased in favor with God and man. As His mind increased, and His apprehension of God became more full, the Divine Being could more fully express Himself through Him and, as the perfect life was lived, men could recognize in Him superior qualities and therefore their hearts would open to Him.
Little Regard for Others
A self-centered sinner is self-satisfied, selfish, conceited, contented with himself, but has little regard for others—The Living Word.
Preaching and Salvation
Sentimental preaching affects the feeling, but only conviction of sin effects salvation. —The Living Word.
Helping Others
Sometimes a good way to help others is by helping out of their way.