Valid Expectations For the Young and the Young in Faith

Recognizing the Reality of the Incarnation “the days were completed for her to give birth” This Child developed in the womb as any other child would develop “she gave birth...and she wrapped Him in cloths” These details demonstrate the reality of a Mother caring for an infant susceptible to the frailties of any infant

Recognizing the Reality of the Incarnation “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same” “flesh and blood” vs. 9 - the inevitability of death vs. 10 - the reality of suffering vs. 18 - the incessancy of temptation

Recognizing the Reality of the Incarnation The Gospels show us the reality of the incarnation in a very practical way Matt 4:2 - 40 days of fasting left Him hungry Mk 4:38 - after a day of teaching the multitudes He was tired Jn 11:35 - having seen the suffering of a dear friend He wept Matt 14:23 - He prayed in moments of difficulty and temptation Matt 26:38 - He was “grieved and distressed” Lk 2:40,52 - as a child He “grew” and “increased” in strength and wisdom

Sanctifying the Child Circumcision Commanded under the Law of Moses as a “sign of the covenant” Carried out at specific times when deep spiritual focus was required Gen 17 - The rejection of Ishmael and promise of Isaac Ex 4:24-26 - Moses’ son as he was traveling to stand before Pharaoh Joshua 5 - As Israel prepared to conquer Canaan Such action demonstrates a deep trust in the the purpose and power of God

Presentation at the Temple Sanctifying the Child Presentation at the Temple A lamb was to be offered, the poor were allowed to offer two turtle-doves Done in recognition of the fact that God considered the child as “holy” Performed by faithful godly parents

The Feast of the Passover Sanctifying the Child The Feast of the Passover Every Jewish man was required to journey to the Temple for three feasts a year (Ex 23:14-17; Dt 16:16) These feasts reminded the people that they owed their bounty to God Thirteen was the traditional age that one began to participate in these feasts By taking Jesus to this feast, Joseph and Mary were ensuring that He was reminded of His role in submission to the Father

Sanctifying the Child The Ideal Standard 4 We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, Psalm 78:4–7 (NASB95) Instill a passion for the supremacy of God To be a fixed deposit of God’s truth Teach the Word of God

Sanctifying the Child The Ideal Standard 4 We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, Psalm 78:4–7 (NASB95) Learn and know the testimony and teaching of God To deepen and broaden confidence in God

Sanctifying the Child The Ideal Standard 4 We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach them to their children, 6 That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, That they may arise and tell them to their children, 7 That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments, Psalm 78:4–7 (NASB95) To produce a life of obedience To teach the responsibility of the individual receiving and applying the principles of scripture

Sanctifying the Child Set Apart for Service My life is not my own 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 (NASB95) My life is not my own Our focus must constantly be on the sacrifice of Jesus I must strive everyday to serve rather than be served

Dispelling the Myths of Youth The Child “grew” and “grew” Dispelling the Myths of Youth 20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20 (NASB95) The growth and increase of wisdom was noted before the Child was 12 “grow” - “...to increase...” (Strong’s) “increase” - “to make full, to fill up... to cause to abound” (Strong’s)

Dispelling the Myths of Youth The Child “grew” and “grew” Dispelling the Myths of Youth 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. Luke 2:46–47 (NASB95) He sought out teachers and sat in their midst He participated - listening and asking questions He chose to be in the place He needed to be