Sunday, 6 January 2002 - Rev Erlo Stegen

Summary of Sunday Sermon

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Sunday 6 January 2002 - `JESUS LEFT BEHIND'

(Summary of sermon by Rev Erlo Stegen)

Luke 2: 41 - 52 (click here to read text)

One of the proofs of Christ being in a person is displaying His characteristics. We read here (and in many Psalms) that it was in His nature to love being in the house of God. Even though there were Scribes and Pharisees in the temple He was faithful in wanting to be in God's house. The New Testament commands us not to "forsake the assembling" of ourselves together. The one who finds excuses not to be in Church is simply showing that Jesus is not in their heart.

The main point of the sermon is that Joseph and Mary "lost" Jesus along the way. They were in a company, a large crowd, for protection, as they traveled back home. Perhaps Mary thought the 12 year old Jesus (who was according Jewish law becoming a man) was at the back of the crowd with Joseph. It could be that Joseph presumed that Jesus was at the front with Mary. Whatever the case, they were not watchful and they suddenly realised that Jesus was not there. So too with our lives: we must watch and pray and see to it at all times that Jesus is with us. If you've invited Him into your life then He comes to live His life and not yours. He will not bow to your ways - you must bow to His way and submit to Him.

Jesus amazed the teachers in the temple with his great insight and understanding. One can speculate (but we will only know in heaven) that the boy Jesus might have asked them about the Messiah and when and where He was to be born.

Mary spoke beyond her motherly concern and there was strong criticism in her reproof in verse 48. In actual fact, Mary was the one who deserved a rebuke from God, not our Lord Jesus.

And yet, he submitted Himself to them (verse 50) and was not like some super-spiritual children who claim to know more than their parents and refuse to honour them.

Make sure that Jesus is with you all the time - don't lose Him along the way. If you have lost your fist love then go back (as Jesus' parents went back to search for Him) and repent of your sin at that place where you forsook the Lord.

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