Boy Jesus in the Temple

Luke 2:41-52; Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:46
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, and they were hearing him, and asking him questions. Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:46

When Jesus was 12 years old, He and His family traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. On the trip back to Nazareth, Joseph and Mary thought Jesus was among the group of family and friends they traveled with. But after a full day's journey, they realized Jesus was not with them. (See Luke 2:41-44.)

Joseph and Mary were worried and went back to Jerusalem to look for Jesus. For three days they searched for the young boy, finally finding Him in the temple, where He was teaching the wise men and answering their questions. (See Luke 2:45-46; Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:46.) "And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" (Luke 2:47).

Mary asked Jesus why He had done this, telling Him how she and Joseph had searched for Him, sorrowing. Jesus answered that He had been doing His Heavenly Father's work. Although Joseph and Mary knew that Jesus was to be the Savior, they did not understand His mission as well as He did. (See Luke 2:48-50.)

Jesus returned to Nazareth with Joseph and Mary and was an obedient son. As He grew older, He studied and learned; He was close to His Heavenly Father and well liked by other people. (See Luke 2:51-52.)

Summary

When Jesus was 12 years old, He went with His family to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. On the way home, Joseph and Mary realized that Jesus was not with their group. They went back to Jerusalem to look for Him. After three days of searching, they found Jesus teaching the wise men in the temple. Those who heard Him were amazed at His understanding. Mary asked Him why He had stayed behind and made them worry. Jesus explained that He was doing the work of His Father in Heaven.

Artist, Grant Romney Clawson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

MY Word: Which one of these pictures do you feel drawn to the most. The first one feels "cleaner" and more orderly to me. Also the boy seems older, like around 14 or 15...still very young. The second painting really captures his youth and innocence. Last month one of our Primary children turned 12, received the Aaronic Priesthood and began passing the Sacrament....he looked so small and innocent.

Oh my....I just finished reading from "The Mortal Messiah" book 1, to learn more about this episode of Jesus teaching in the temple. Now I'm so emotional...if this were paper there would be tear drops! ;)

Jesus, Mary, Joseph and probably other members of their family and friends would have traveled from Nazareth to the Temple in Jerusalem to attend the Feast of the Passover. They would have gone every year in March or April but this year was different for Jesus was now 12 and a "son of the Law". He would have had duties to fulfill in the temple, subject to fasting (according to the law) and no longer considered a child in preparation. We might liken this to us in this way....we are to fast from food and drink for 2 consecutive meals once a month and donate the money normally spent on those meals to the Fast Offering fund. We teach our children this concept by example then when they are baptized at 8 years of age they begin to fast with mom and dad.

Back to the temple ceremony: Joseph would have taken a perfect lamb (this would be a lamb of significant size not just a baby) and it would have been slaughtered (by the sacrificer...would that have been Joseph?), the blood sprinkled on the alter, portions of the animal would be burned, the meat given back to the family to be taken home and consumed. Read about temple SACRIFICES. Here is what I want you to ponder: As Jesus watched (perhaps participated in some way) this ritual what impressions do you think He may have received? Did he realize or just get an inkling that this whole ritual was in similitude of Him? This is my own speculation but perhaps that is why he went to the temple to talk to the teachers/doctors/scholars; to ask them questions and learn from them. I think He was not there to show off, denagrate, or offend them but through a series of questions and answers perhaps all were taught. Do you not learn this way...ask questions, discuss possibilities, accept and/or reject ideas, come to some conclusion? What's the best way to confirm information you have gathered? HINT: P---! Do you think Jesus did this?

Studying about this event has given me so much to think about. Thank you for this oppotunity!

Jesus Praying with His Mother

Whew!....That was a long break. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Luke 2:40, 51-52

John 19:26-27

Isn't this the sweetest picture? We have no scriptures that say...."and Mary taught Jesus to pray".... but we can draw upon our own experiences as parents and reason that she did so. From the above scriptures do you get a sense for Jesus and Mary's (his mother) relationship. His concern for her at the end of His life causes me to tear up.

"It is possible that Jesus attended the Jewish synagogues and was taught in the learning of the Jews by the rabbis. If so, much of what Jesus heard would have been a perversion of truth, for Judaism was in a state of apostasy. His most significant education, therefore, came through the Spirit from his Heavenly Father. Jesus testified of himself: "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." (John 8:28) And again: "The Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak." (John 12:49) Who taught Jesus what he knew? His Father, God the Father, taught him. That he was taught by wiser than mortal men is evident, and that he learned his lessons well, for the Prophet Joseph Smith said of him: "When still a boy, He had all the intelligence necessary to enable Him to rule and govern the kingdom of the Jews, and could reason with the wisest and most profound doctors of law and divinity, and make their theories and practice to appear like folly compared with the wisdom He possessed; but He was a boy only, and lacked physical strength even to defend His own person; and was subject to cold, to hunger, and to death." (more about his teaching the learned in the next post.)

Much of what we are taught today is questionable. The answers keep changing! John Bytheway (and LDS author....love his stuff) says: "Read the the book where the answers never change."....meaning the Scriptures!

Cute story that just happened in Primary last Sunday. While teaching a class I stated that when we speak to Heavenly Father we pray. Then asked, "How does Heavenly Father speak to us?" The answer I was hoping to get from them or to help them understand was....He speaks to us through the scriptures. A little 5 year old said,"Well, there's this voice inside your head and you have to listen to it." Out of the mouths of babes!

How do you begin to teach children about prayer? The best way is to set the example. Children learn best by watching and then doing, not just being told what/how to do something. Good teachers/mentors/parents guide and give correction when needed. One of the first prayers a child learns is to ask a blessing on the food. That prayer has all of the elements needed: Addressing our Heavenly Father, thank Him for blessings, ask for things that we need and close in the name of Jesus Christ. Hey guess what there is a Primary song about that very thing....listen to it here! Be sure and click button for words and music.

Two quotes:

"To better understand prayer, I have listened to the counsel of others, pondered the scriptures, and studied the lives of prophets and others. Yet what seems most helpful is seeing in my mind a child approaching trustingly a loving, kind, wise, understanding Father, who wants us to succeed.

Don't worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your Father. He hears every prayer and answers it in His way." (Ensign, Nov. 1989...Elder Richard G. Scott)

Next Quote:

"To pray....may I suggest a process to follow: go where you can be alone, go where you can think, go where you can kneel, go where you can speak out loud to Him....Now picture him in your mind's eye. Think to whom you are speaking, control your thoughts - don't let them wander, address him as your Father and your friend. Now tell him things you really feel to tell him - not trite phrases that have little meaning, but have a sincere, heartfelt conversation with him. Confide in him, ask him for forgiveness, plead with him, enjoy him, thank him, express your love to him, and then listen for his answers. (Ensign, January 1974...--H. Burke Peterson)

As a rebellious teenager I pictured a kindly, nonjudgemental, encouraging little ole grandpa type Heavenly Father. (Say someone like President Kimball...wink)

Today my Heavenly Father looks different in my mind....not old....still kind, encouraging, judgemental as in "I know you can do better than this"...... bold and powerful but always with perfect self control! What does he look like to you?

OK, I have a challenge for us....Let's read the Book of John once a month for the whole year. I have only read it straight through twice in my whole life....pathetic! Why John? Because this is the book where Jesus' words are used the most. There are 21 chapters in this book, I just read John 6...it took me 90 seconds to read 71 verses, the longest chapter in the Book of John. Now I know that reading isn't studying. You are not going to understand what He is teaching without indepth study but you will "hear" His voice and begin to understand more fully who He is. May I suggest you make a journal entry of what you know about Jesus and how you feel about Him now. We will check in periodically to find out what's changed.

Flight into Egypt

Matthew 2

Just read the scripture reference....it explains it all! ;)

My Word: Contrary to some accounts and tradition we do not know where the wise men came from, who they were or how many there were. We don't know what "star" (be sure to read down to the highlighted references) led them to the Christ child but we do know the star was seen by many all over the world.

We also don't know how old Jesus was at the time of the wise men's visit but since Herod had all children 2 and younger killed I am assuming he is no longer an infant. Also the visit was to a "young child" perhaps another clue.

Herod was a horrible man and rightfully despised and feared. Any hint of another's coming to power and he would quash the rebellion! Remember that John the Baptist and his parents were effected by Herod's edict. I remember this scripture reference (Matthew 2:18) because my Grandfather was born in Ramah, NM so that event combined with the horror of the slaughter of children makes this reference stick in my mind.

Assignment: Just as the people were given signs of the birth of Christ we are given signs of His return. Are you watching for the signs of the Second Coming of the Messiah? Where would you find a list of the signs? Were people converted to Christ because of the signs or something else? What would be a better gift (you may want to be comforted :HINT!) to have than the knowledge of the signs? What must you do to receive this Gift? Try here, #4!

Simeon Reverencing the Christ Child

Luke 2:22-39

MY Word: Living the Law of Moses required certain rituals to be performed at the Temple. Bethlehem is only about 5 miles from Jerusalem, so after Mary had completed her 40 days of purification she and Joseph took Jesus to the Temple to offer sacrifices and ordinances concerning the firstborn son. Read the reference above carefully. What monetary circumstances were Joseph and Mary in? If Heavenly Father places his Son in poor but humble conditions is there a lesson for us? Would you rather have love and time with family or stuff that we have to work so hard and long hours to pay for? What were Simeon's duties at the Temple? If he performed ordinances for all firstborn son's do you think he performed them robotically or do you think with each child he questioned in his heart, "Is this the Saviour?" Do you think that after years of faithful service Heavenly Father would just ignore his question? I don't think so!

And finally we have Anna. 20='s a score so you do the math or read her reference. Again a faithful servant who, I'm sure, questioned and learned at the Temple on a daily basis. We (in the LDS religion) have a phrase to describe Simeon and Anna; they were "in tune with the Spirit (meaning the Holy Ghost)" and recognized through this gift the Saviour of the world.

Assignment: Using Simeon and Anna as examples what steps can we take to develop "tuning into the Holy Ghost"? Here are a few things that come to my mind: Be where we are suppose to be ~I think they both were doing their Temple duties. What are your duties at work, in your church, in your family, etc.? Where ever you have responsibilities LEARN, ask yourself: am I giving my best, what can I improve, how can I be more helpful, ask WHY and find the answer! Be generous with your knowledge, although they shared their knowledge with those that would understand and gave reverence to their words. (What is that other scripture reference that goes something like this....cast not your pearls before swine.) Give thanks and acknowledge Heavenly Father's hand in your learning process and life!

The Announcement of Christ's Birth to the Shepherds

Luke 2:820
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. Luke 2:89

On the night Jesus was born, there were shepherds in the field watching over their flocks. An angel of the Lord appeared and the shepherds were frightened, but the angel said:

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

"And ... ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:1012).

Suddenly there appeared a multitude of angels praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14; see also Luke 2:13).

When the angels had gone, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go ... unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us" (Luke 2:15). Hurrying to Bethlehem, the shepherds found Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus lying in a manger (see Luke 2:16).

Later, as the shepherds returned to their flocks, telling the people abroad what the angel had said about Jesus, they glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen (see Luke 2:1718).

Summary

The night Jesus was born, an angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds tending their flocks. The angel announced the Savior's birth in Bethlehem and told the shepherds they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Suddenly many angels appeared to the shepherds, praising God and declaring peace on earth. The shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby Jesus, just as the angel had said. As the shepherds returned to their sheep, they told others of the glorious things they had heard and seen.

Artist, Del Parson

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA

My Word: Now you know the circumstances surrounding Jesus' birth. Answer the question that Jesus asks the Pharisees found in Matthew 22:42. Are you more like the shepherds or the Pharisees? Do you rush to learn of Him or try to justify your defiance to his commandments?

A word about the shepherds...why would the angel and host of angels appear to them? I don't have a scriptural reference or modern revelation to back up this theory so be clear this is only my opinion!....They took care of the lambs that would be offered for sacrifice at the temple. In the New Testament there are many references to lambs and shepherds; symbolic of Jesus and His love and care for us. I think the shepherds would have often discussed the purpose of sacrificing the lambs they loved and took care of therefore they would be more prepared to meet the Lamb of God.

The Birth of Jesus

Isaiah 7:14; Luke 2:1-16; 1 Nephi 11:13-21; Alma 7:10

When was Jesus born...what season? In the first picture the shepherds aren't wearing shirts...I wonder why? How would you (or your wife) like to give birth in a stable, barn, animal shelter? Look here to find out more about the artist of the first picture. Near the bottom of that page are some interesting observations from children, don't pass them up.

Look what I found... "Christmas" .... so many great ideas here!

I love the poem at the beginning of this talk....it is so true! As I told my grandson,..."Its not what you buy that makes you happy, it's what's in your heart." Happiness is a feeling...not something you play with. Of course a five year old thinks a bit differently but can be taught the true meaning of Christmas.

On the Christmas site are some great suggestions to make the Season more meaningful...which ideas appeal to you and how can you impliment them?

Another favorite reminder:

"Maybe Christmas doesn't come from the store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more"~The Grinch

Soften your heart and let the Spirit of the Chirst-child in.

Merry Christmas!

Joseph and Mary Travel to Bethlehem

Luke 2:1-5

MY Word:

What manner of man was Joseph? Read Matthew 1:18-25. Again what characteristics would Heavenly Father want in the man that was going to be raising His Son here on earth? Joseph could have had Mary put to death or at least publicly humiliated her yet he chose neither of those options. He would handle this privately, not just for his sake but also for Mary's...he loved her. The angle tells him not to fear taking her to wife....it seems to me that even though she was expecting another man's child Joseph wanted to be married to her. Can you just feel the relief that they both felt when this whole matter was settled?!

Read more about Joseph and Mary here in section (3-3). When I hear the term "Gentleman" used I often think of Joseph.

The distance from Nazareth (where Joseph and Mary lived) to Bethlehem was between 70 to 80 miles. We don't know a lot of details about the trip but for Mary I think it would have been uncomfortable! Joseph would have left his work for longer than most, to travel slower for Mary's sake.

When they arrived in Bethlehem the scriptures tell us there was no room for them in the inn. I have had this quote on my refrigerator for years now....

"Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus!"

(Ensign, Nov. 1992. pg. 66) Elder Neal A. Maxwell (one of the Twelve Apostles, now deceased.)

How will you make room for Him today?

The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel Appears to Mary

See Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:26-38; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10

My Word:

The purpose of true prophets is to declare the words of Jesus Christ. All true prophets testify of him (Mosiah 13:33; see also Prophets, Mission of.) Isaiah, King Benjamin (Mosiah was his son), and Alma (just to name a few) all knew of Jesus' birth years in advance and testified of the event. They knew of Mary and the miraculous birth. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should have a firm testimony of this event as we have The Book of Mormon; Another Testament of Jesus Christ. In 1st Nephi 11 right at the beginning of his great vision Nephi sees Mary being chosen and the birth of Christ. More on that of course when we get to the Book of Mormon pictures.

You will notice that Gabriel (who is he again?...use the Bible Dictionary) tells both Zacharias and Mary "Fear not"; why does he say that? According to James E. Talmage in Jesus The Christ, he explains:" ....the people regarded personal visitations of heavenly beings as occurrences of the past; they had come almost to believe that there were no longer prophets in Israel. Nevertheless, there was always a feeling of anxiety, akin to that of troubled expectancy, whenever a priest approached the inner sanctuary, which was regarded as the particular abode of Jehovah should He ever again condescend to visit His people. In view of these conditions we read without surprise that this angelic presence troubled Zacharias and caused fear to fall upon him." We can assume that Mary, having been raised in the same conditions, would feel the same way. ~I've never had a "visitation" but I think I may need to have the same reassurance of "Fear not"!

Those words may have been more necessary after the message than before Mary knew what message the Angel was to deliver! My heart has often been saddened when thinking about the judgements that were passed on her by people ignorant of the circumstances. Hopefully, this experience helps me keep my own judgements in check. What characteristics do you think Mary possessed that Heavenly Father would choose her as the mother of His Son? Think about that carefully...full of love?, yes....indulgent?...I don't think so! Patient?...yes, oblivious?...no! Really think about how Heavenly Father would want His son raised and apply that to your own parenting.

In Addition: In "Daughters of God, Scriptural Portraits" by S. Michael Wilcox, he writes about Mary rushing to Elisabeth:

"Mary may have gone to Elisabeth because she wanted to share her own marvelous secret with someone who would understand, but I believe Mary also went "with haste" to share in the happiness of Elisabeth. Elisabeth shared in Mary's joy and proclaimed, 'Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb'. Added to their natural joy over the anticipated birth of their sons was the knowledge that the long awaited Messiah soon would redeem his people.

"Many women have a natural capacity to be as thrilled over their sisters' blessings as over their own. This is a godly quality---one we would all do well to emulate. It is a quality that destroys envy, jealousy, and pride." ~I added the emphasis...if we compare ourselves with others we develop these last three qualities but when we rejoice with each other...pooof....gone! Go ahead test that theory...do you agree or not?

Why is it important to know that Jesus is the Son of God? You may want to review the second post of this blog for the answer.

Gabriel, Zacharias, Elisabeth and John

Once again I wish I had a picture for every event but it is not to be. I just could not go forward without telling you about Zacharias so here we go....

Read: Luke 1

After years of praying for a child and while serving in the temple Zacharias is visited by Gabriel. Just a little information about Zacharias's temple service; he would serve in the temple for one week twice a year. A priest, chosen by casting lots, ~this was done to ensure that everyone had equal opportunity....there were so many priests that the chances of doing this once let alone more than once was very remote~ would enter the temple and light the incense.

Taken from "Jesus The Christ" by James E. Talmage, pg. 72.

"On this day the lot had fallen to Zacharias. It was a very solemn occasion in the life of the humble Judean priest -- this one day in his life on which the special and particularly sacred service was required of him. ...The place and the time were conducive to the highest and most reverential feelings. As Zacharias ministered within the Holy Place, the people without bowed themselves in prayer, watching for the clouds of incense smoke to appear above the great partition which formed the barrier between the place of general assembly and the Holy Place, and awaited the reappearance of the priest and his pronouncement of the benediction.

"Before the astonished gaze of Zacharias, at this supreme moment of his priestly service, there appeared, standing on the right of the golden altar of incense, an angel of the Lord." (Remember the people hadn't had revelations for many years and thought they were something that happened only in the past.)

What was Zacharias's reaction to the announcement of being a father? What happened to Zacharias as a result of his reaction? Elisabeth (again a woman who had waited and prayed for a child her whole married life) was a cousin to Mary (the mother of Jesus.) Again read all of Luke 1.
In the last verse where was John and why was he there?
Read here beginning at (3-5) Jesus and John Escape Herod's Wrath.

We will learn more about John and his mission later.

Zacharias has become a hero to me! Elisabeth....how did she keep John alive and safe? Was she alone? These are some strong people we could take some lessons from.

Next post back to the pictures.