Tag Archives: calling

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

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Acts 11:15-18, Romans 15:7-9

(PRT) Acts 11:15-18, Romans 15:7-9

Acts 11:15-18 (PRT)

v. 15 However, as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like on us, also, when this first started. v. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord spoke to us and said: “John certainly baptized in water; you, however, will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” v. 17 Since, then, God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way? v. 18 After the leaders in Jerusalem heard this account they dropped their criticism and gave God praise and said “Then it has happened: God has given to the nations the repentance that brings life.”

Romans 15:7-9 (PRT)

v. 7 Therefore, embrace and accept one another just like Christ embraced and accepted you for God’s glory. v. 8 For I assure you that Christ became the servant to the Jews by being among them for the sake of God’s truth; he did this so he could confirm the promises given to their forefather. V. 9 This also is for the nations for mercy to give glory to God, just like it is written: “Because of this, I will declare you to the nations; to your name I will sing.”

v. 15 However, as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just like on us, also, when this first started.

“in the beginning,” or when this first started, as in when the Holy Spirit came at the first of the birth of the church, when God started it all by pouring out His promised gift at Pentecost.

“fell” could mean “embraced” – that makes an interesting parallel to the Father’s love for us.

And here it begins – the nations are invited in.

v. 16 Then I remembered how the Lord spoke to us and said: “John certainly baptized in water; you, however, will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.”

“in, with, by” – but in the case of being immerse, it means in. He baptizes us in the full and present Spirit of God.

There are two words for immerse – bapto, and baptidzo – though Luke uses the the second word in both places. Baptidzo is a repeated action. We are immersed and we keep being immersed in the Holy Spirit. Imagine each day we choose to step into the vast ocean of God’s presence for another day of baptism.

Jesus expands Peter’s and now the apostles’ horizon. They heard Jesus say “water and Holy Spirit” and thought, God’s chosen people, the Jews; now they hear and see that God’s chosen people are from among both Jews and the nations around the globe.

v. 17 Since, then, God gave them the same gift as he gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?

When we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are given His Spirit. Shouldn’t we ask for the Spirit to come in the same power and demonstration as they experienced?

The Spirit is the gift, the promise of the Father. With Him comes His gifts to build up the body, to reach the lost, and to fellowship with Him.

We believe and receive God’s gift of the Spirit. They believe and receive the gift, too.

“Who was I to stand in God’s way?” where did Peter hear this before? When they were close to being condemned and Gamaliel spoke up and said the same. Peter was there.

v. 18 After the leaders in Jerusalem heard this account they dropped their criticism and gave God praise and said “Then it has happened: God has given to the nations the repentance that brings life.”

This is such a key verse since it encapsulates what those who first became Jesus-followers saw when the world was invited to the same experience in Jesus. At the first, they were critical and questioning. How dare Peter taint his life by fellowshipping with other nations? But after the account, after hearing that the Spirit fell and embraced the Gentiles, they were silent. They stopped their protests and replaced it with praise and glory.  “Apa” means therefore or so then with the meaning of a conclusion awaited, “it’s finally happened.” God’s Holy Spirit within reminded them that His plan all along was to win a world, to dethrone the usurper not just in Jerusalem but throughout the globe. If the offer is given, those who take it experience the life that comes through turning from sin and self-centeredness and turning to Jesus.

Romans 15:7-9 (PRT)

v. 7 Therefore, embrace and accept one another just like Christ embraced and accepted you for God’s glory.

Accept or receive with the goal of opening one’s life up to the other. There is a transparency factor to this word “accept.” Jesus demonstrated this when he accepted us, even while we were sinners and knowing that we would forever need his “embrace” of forgiveness.

We are embraced for and to God’s glory and praise and honor. Our willingness to forgive and embrace those who miss the mark should reflect Christ accepting us while we were yet sinners. And this is to point to God’s glory. This is radical in relationships.

v. 8 For I assure you that Christ became the servant to the Jews by being among them for the sake of God’s truth; he did this so he could confirm the promises given to their forefather.

Paul is speaking truth to help the church understand why Jesus did what He did. He came as a Jew, circumcised, and a part of the nation specifically to make certain what the Father promised in the Old Testament was true. They are invited in to the holy nation, the royal priesthood, the chosen people in Jesus. Let no one say God lies. He is fully truth and his promises are yes.

These promises are the message, the announcement, to the founders of Judaism. And because He chose this way, he fulfilled the law’s requirements for us, too.

V. 9 This also is for the nations for mercy to give glory to God, just like it is written: “Because of this, I will declare you to the nations; to your name I will sing.”

Because Jesus came and lived among the Jews to fulfill all the promises, we get in on the mercies of God so we can worship Him. Those who were without mercy and apart from the covenant relationship are now invited in.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes: Mark 13:28-37

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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

(PRT) 13:28-37

v. 28 Now then, learn from the story of the fig tree: when the time comes for its branch to become tender and its leaves to open, you know that summer is about to happen. v. 29 In the same way, you know that when you see these signs about to happen you know that the fulfillment of these things is also near and already at the door. v. 30 Trust me when I tell you that this generation will not pass away until these things have happened. v. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will in no way pass away. v. 32 But when it comes to that very day or hour, no one knows – neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father. v. 33 Keep your eyes open and stay alert, for you do not know when that time is. v. 34 That time is like a man who goes on a journey, leaves his house and gives each of his servants authority for their work; and the doorkeeper is ordered that he should keep watch. v. 35-36 You should watch, therefore, because you do not know when the master of the house returns, whether at evening, midnight, before daybreak, or morning; or else when he comes unexpectedly, he should find  you asleep at the job. v. 37 For this reason, my word to you all is: watch and be ready.

Pastor Rick’s Notes:

v. 28 Now then, learn from the story of the fig tree: when the time comes for its branch to become tender and its leaves to open, you know that summer is about to happen.

It’s a comparison between how summer approaches with signs from spring, and how his contemporary generation will see what’s coming, and for those of us awaiting His return, how the end times will approach with signs increasingly before it happens.

They just learned another lesson from the false fig tree. Now they learn from the flourishing fig tree. As it sprouts and brings life out of a winter’s barrenness, it parallels (parable) how the gradual and increasing signs of the end times will point to His return.

v. 29 In the same way, you know that when you see these signs about to happen you know that the fulfillment of these things is also near and already at the door.

These things are near because He is near to  returning. The Parousia is imminent.

v. 30 Trust me when I tell you that this generation will not pass away until these things have happened.

This generation could be this race or nation. But the eternal oversees one generation and one nation. It is this generation meaning the that very generation that recognizes the signs happening so rapidly. When the Spring is here, that generation is here, too.

It’s a complicated verse to interpret. One interpretation is fairly sure: He also could be referring backward to the initial question. When will the walls tumble in Jerusalem? Within the generation hearing his voice.

If Jesus is talking about  a nation or people, it could be the nation of Israel or the people who seek him first. Israel, or we, will always be until the end times are fulfilled.

v. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will in no way pass away.

He claimed eternity for his words. And it is true; his words are thoroughly woven through the centuries and will in no way pass away.

v. 32 But when it comes to that very day or hour, no one knows – neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father.

This is a curious thing for God the Son to say. He is limited only for the good of His life as the Son of Man in relation to those he teaches. The limit is by design, even though Jesus and the Father are one.

v. 33 Keep your eyes open and stay alert, for you do not know when that time is.

The term, “keep  your eyes open” is watch. Uses only four times but always to be alert.

v. 34 That time is like a man who goes on a journey, leaves his house and gives each of his servants authority for their work; and the doorkeeper is ordered that he should keep watch.

This person as the house owner or estate lord leaves the country. It’s not just a journey into town but an unpredictable trip that could take longer or shorter than expected.

Parallels the parable of the vineyard and the lord of the vineyard who goes on a trip, too.

Is this the leadership of the church, the servants of God through the ages, who have been given the command to reach the world for Christ, expecting anytime his arrival?

More likely, in this thought, Jesus has not left us alone with only a book and a mission. He has given us the paraclete, the Holy Spirit. He is near and he is with us. And He will return. We all, not just pastors or leaders, are in the house working at what we were created for, under his authority and power, to accomplish the mission.

v. 35-36 You should watch, therefore, because you do not know when the master of the house returns, whether at evening, midnight, before daybreak, or morning; or else when he comes unexpectedly, he should find  you asleep at the job.

If the workers at the temple were listening, they knew where Jesus was going with this. The temple leadership could show up at any time. If they were not greeted at the door and saluted on the rounds, they were in trouble.

These are the four watches of the night. That could refer to the fact that we as a world are still in the shadows until Jesus returns in his brilliant glory.

v. 37 For this reason, my word to you all is: watch and be ready.

We are to be engaged in calling, use His gifts and power, trust His Word, and follow His Spirit, even when the shadows seek to obscure the work of the Kingdom. In the four watches, we are most available and trusting.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes: Mark 10:13-16

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Mark 10:13-16 (PRT)

v. 13 And they brought little children to Jesus so that he might hold them; however, the disciples blocked them.

v. 14 Then they saw that Jesus was deeply displeased, and he said to them, “Make it easy for the little children to come to me; don’t stand in their way, for the Kingdom of God is here for people just like this.

v. 15 “I say to you, in all truth, whoever does not embrace the Kingdom of God as a little child will not step foot inside the Kingdom.”

v. 16 And after embracing the children and placing his hands on them, he celebrated them with blessings.

Notes:

v. 13 And they brought little children to Jesus so that he might hold them; however, the disciples blocked them.

The wording seems to indicate that the mothers kept bringing in succession their babies to Jesus for a blessing. And the disciples saw this as an interruption. These are little toddlers and infants that would crawl into laps or need tender holding. Imagine Jesus down in the dirt playing with a toddler or cradling carefully the head of an infant whom the parents laid in his arms for a blessing.

The word for hold is the same for touch tenderly or lay hands on. It can be hold or lay hands upon. In fact, Matthew spells this out: Jesus placed his hands on each child and blessed him or her. It’s an interesting juxtaposition in this: the tradition is that mothers would seek out the synagogue or temple leaders for a blessing. The blessing would invoke the Father to “make the child famous in the Law, faithful in marriage, and abundant in good works.” Here, the word is  masculine, so at least some of the dads had turned to Jesus instead. And he blesses each with the Father’s love in similar ways. Would that the Gospel writers had included this blessing in the text!

v. 14 Then they saw that Jesus was deeply displeased, and he said to them, “Make it easy for the little children to come to me; don’t stand in their way, for the Kingdom of God is here for people just like this.

Keep in mind that, just a short time before, Jesus reminded the disciples of the importance of children in the Kingdom.  And here they are again in need of the reminder. In fact, in Mark 9, children and our ability, willingness, and level of faith is illustrated by how readily children were to trust Jesus (and receive him.)

In Mark 9, Jesus affirmed the value of a child and how receiving him or her in Jesus’ name is like embracing Jesus. In Mark 10, Jesus affirms the value of the simplicity of faith, the position of “yes-ness” and receptivity to the gift of grace through Jesus that children have. How excited a child gets when they are offered a gift! No push back or analysis. Just, yes.

A child is dependent, vulnerable, of no apparent value to the culture. Yet, Jesus embraces. We come needy, dependent, and bring nothing but our worst. It’s a simple faith.

Some translations say Jesus was “indignant” – a similar word to “not pleased” with a motivation to express it. He didn’t choose to “look displeased’ but acted on what stirred this inside him. But the disciples saw it!

The “Kingdom of God is here – the word “here” is derived from the “exist” or “to be” but in this case, is present, here, or belongs to the moment.

In this passage, Jesus is responding to the disciples who were considering the moms and the babies an “interruption.” But Jesus takes this teaching toward a universal principle. Not only should we make it easy for children to say yes to Jesus; but if we stand in the way, if we hinder them, we are culpable in their eternity. Parents live your lives in a way that your children are not just encouraged to say yes to Jesus but aren’t discouraged. Make your life count so that your children will look at you and want the faith you embraced, and not be blocked by a life that “stands in the way” of the Kingdom’s activity in their lives.

Jesus sees us with eyes of grace; but when we stray or miss the mark, He is displeased with the action or pattern. He loves unconditionally; but He longs for our spiritual growth and health.

Most translations use the term “such as these” – it means that we, and not just children, enter into the blessings of the Kingdom with a simple, spontaneous, trust in the person, nature, gift and presence of Jesus, unfazed by sophisticated paths. Simple and uncomplicated. It’s a surrender, just like a little child’s raised arms to the Father.

v. 15 “I say to you, in all truth, whoever does not embrace the Kingdom of God as a little child will not step foot inside the Kingdom.”

The word “embrace” here is to “take for oneself” or to “receive or welcome.”  Though it’s not the same word, I see it as a parallelism to the next verse. He teaches – “embrace the Kingdom in simplicity and trust;” then he demonstrates it and celebrates it with the children in his arms and the mothers who are waiting nearby.

Embrace is represented by a passive and accepting posture; step foot inside, or enter, represents the active posture. We receive and we enter into God’s grace and Kingdom.

Demonstrates the potential of a simple abandonment to faith for a lifetime. It’s a celebration of blessing.

v. 16 And after embracing the children and placing his hands on them, he celebrated them with blessings.

This became the illustration of his teaching. Get out of their way and encourage the children (and their parents) to come to me. And the rest of the day, moms and dads came to Jesus with their babies for blessings, prayer, and celebration.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes: Mark 9:1-13

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If you’ve ever wondered how I take what I learn and prepare it to share in a teaching, here is one of my ways to organize my thoughts, applications, illustrations, etc. The goal is to have one main point that the passage is mainly about; then bring applications that will help bring the truth of God’s Word into the “live-it-out” stage. If this goes well, the church gets the Scripture’s main point and leaves with ways that change their lives, and in the process of hearing and worshiping, experiences God’s presence through encouragement, healing, restoration, and most importantly redemption.

Teaching Prep Outline –

  1. Declare – Invite God’s Presence to heal, save, set right according to the Kingdom; Worship; Communion
  2. Getting There – Main point of the passage, main reason for the message. Appeal. Some background. What I want to end with.
  3. Where – The passage for the day.
  4. There – Applications to the Main point of the passage and reason for the message. Story. Hermeneutics. Remind of Main point and where I want to end.
  5. Now Where – End with story. Prayer. Focus on what God is up to in the moment. One more song. Giving response. Announcements.

(Pastor Rick’s Translation)

Mark 9:1-13 (PRT)

v. 1 And Jesus said to the crowd along with His followers, with all certainty I tell you that there are some among those standing here who will not experience death until they see the kingdom of God come with power.

 v. 2 Then, six days later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him and leads them into a high mountain alone and isolated; and he was transfigured in front of them,

v. 3 And his clothes became dazzling white beyond the ability of any launderer’s bleach.

v. 4 Then, Elijah along with Moses, appeared right in front of them, and they were speaking together with Jesus.

v. 5-6 And not knowing what to say, for they were terrified, Peter began to speak and said to Jesus, “Teacher, it’s good that we are here; we can construct three shelters – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

v. 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them in its shadow, and a voice spoke out of the cloud: “This is my son, the one beloved and chosen; listen to him.”

v. 8 Then suddenly, they looked around and saw no one with them any longer, only Jesus.

 v. 9 And as they were coming down from the mountain, he compelled them to tell no one what they had seen, at least not until the son of Man had risen from the dead.

v. 10 And that account they kept to themselves but discussed what “risen from the dead” means.

v. 11 And the disciples said, “Why is it that the religious scribes teach that Elijah must come first?”

v. 12 And he answered them, “Elijah indeed appears first and restores everything just in the way it is written that the Son of Man should suffer many things and be utterly despised.”

v. 13 But I tell you this, also, that Elijah has appeared, and they did to him whatever they desired just as it has been written about him.

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Mark 9:1-13 v. 1 And Jesus said to the crowd along with His followers, with all certainty I tell you that there are some among those standing here who will not experience death until they see the kingdom of God come with power.

Some commentators indicate the “kingdom” coming with power to the next verses and the transfiguration – this is the first application that God changed the lives forever of three disciples as Jesus’ glory broke through. Others point to the resurrection. The pouring out of the “promise of the Father at Pentecost is my choice as it is where all three disciples were present, the power of the Kingdom through the pouring out of the “promise of the Father” came, and everyone who said yes to Jesus was transformed.

If 8:38 points to the warning to step out of the world’s rule and into a cross-centered life, 9:1ff points to the encouragement of the certainty that Jesus will come into His rightful glory.

The kingdom coming and the presence of Jesus are entwined throughout Mark.

v. 2 Then, six days later, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him and leads them into a high mountain alone and isolated; and he was transfigured in front of them,

Luke’s account is “about eight days later” – that would include the day of v. 1 and the day of the trek up the mountain.

One commentator indicates Peter as the disciple who loves Jesus so much, John as the disciple whom Jesus loved so much, and James, the first to give his life in love for the savior in martyrdom.

The six days corresponds with the six days of preparation to receive God’s revelation or presence.

Jesus leads them up to a place where he wanted them. When we cross a valley or face a chasm or tackle a mountain because it is part of our journey with Jesus, he is taking us to a place he wants to take us.

Jesus went away alone often; this time, he invited the Three.

v. 3 And his clothes became dazzling white beyond the ability of any launderer’s bleach.

Jesus was transfigured, transformed while he was praying. The brilliance of glory broke through the plainness of flesh. What he is in heaven became visible. White light, dazzling. The closest Mark could write and Peter could describe when he was able to bear looking at Jesus was the bright white of the most bleached of robes.  Even his face was changed.

Luke reminds us that the three were likely asleep when this process began and they were awakened by and to the Lord’s brilliance and light and saw the two men with Jesus.

v. 4 Then, Elijah along with Moses, appeared right in front of them, and they were speaking together with Jesus.

Elijah left the earth without dying; Moses died, but his body was taken by an angel into glory. They were the pre-eminent figures of the Law and the Prophets.

What were they talking about? Luke tells us that it was the plan. Jesus was finding assurances about the plan – the kerygma – the suffering, crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension.

Peter wanted to capture the moment in time as proof of the Messianic arrival attested to by Moses and Elijah, the last whom represented the forerunner.

Moses delivers God’s people from bondage and into the place of promise; Jesus brings deliverance from our bondage to sin and separation from fellowship with the Father and takes us to a place of restoration and blessing.

v. 5-6 And not knowing what to say, for they were terrified, Peter began to speak and said to Jesus, “Teacher, it’s good that we are here; we can construct three shelters – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

That’s why Peter blurted out, let’s set up the tabernacles to show people that your arrival is attested to by the great ones who had gone before – Moses and Elijah. This would clearly prove that the New Covenant, the New way of knowing Yahweh, had come in Jesus.

The” booths”, or tabernacles, reference is not so pointing to the Feast of Tabernacles as it is to the new “Sinai” or mountain experience that supplants Moses’ experience with the commandments.

v. 7 Then a cloud appeared and covered them in its shadow, and a voice spoke out of the cloud: “This is my son, the one beloved and chosen; listen to him.”

Matthew notes it was a bright cloud filled with light, not a dark, brooding, cloud. The light was so bright as to obscure with its own presence, like a shadow, what they had seen a moment before. The cloud appeared, covered them with the shadow, and the Father spoke.

This experience totally changed the disciples, so much so that, Peter would write later about being an eyewitness to the glory and majesty of the Son of God, and John would write about Jesus’ glory visible.

2 Peter 1:16-18. This experience was with Peter the rest of his life.

This cloud became both the revelation and the concealer of Jesus’ glory. God’s voice is heard here as Jesus moves from ministry and demonstrations of power to misery and demonstrations of humility.

“Listen to Him” is important since Jesus leans into sharing the hard truths of the plan the Father has put into place through Him. They need to hear “listen to him.”

v. 8 Then suddenly, they looked around and saw no one with them any longer, only Jesus.

After recovering from the awe and fear of the experience (Matthew says they fell down) they looked around as the cloud cleared and saw only Jesus. There are times when the Father speaks or makes His presence know so powerfully that we are shaken and changed. Those experiences are “Kairos” moments in our lives; we look back on them, but we remember that Jesus remains near even as we move from those powerful moments. And he is more than enough.

Jesus remains as the sole bearer of Kingdom presence and revelation. “His words and deeds transcend all past revelation.” W. Lane.

v. 9 And as they were coming down from the mountain, he compelled them to tell no one what they had seen, at least not until the son of Man had risen from the dead.

They were to say nothing to their fellow followers until after Jesus conquered death.

The resurrection is seen only in the full context of the brutal treatment, death, and burial of Jesus.

The disciples got it that Jesus is Messiah and current Lord and Savior. And they understood that in the final “Parousia” Jesus would be enthroned. They just couldn’t get the whole suffer, die, bury him, but raise again part.

Jesus exaltation, glory, enthronement are only understood in the context of the Cross and empty tomb.

v. 10 And that account they kept to themselves but discussed what “risen from the dead” means.

The three disciples would frequently discuss this event among themselves. But what most didn’t fit was why Jesus would need to rise from the dead, especially since Elijah had come and ushered in the Messianic age. Sure resurrection from the dead was in the mix, but much later at the end of the age. Why would Jesus need to rise from the dead while they were still around? Perplexed.

v. 11 And the disciples said, “Why is it that the religious scribes teach that Elijah must come first?”

So many things had been written by the scribes of what Elijah would do when he came back.

v. 12 And he answered them, “Elijah indeed appears first and restores everything just in the way it is written that the Son of Man should suffer many things and be utterly despised.”

Jesus doesn’t hedge this truth from Malachi. But he does point to an even more important and frequently ignored truth: The Messiah’s pinnacle of love and glory will be in the suffering.

v. 13 But I tell you this, also, that Elijah has appeared, and they did to him whatever they desired just as it has been written about him.

And in this conversation, Jesus explains that John came in the same vein as Elijah as the greatest of the prophets and restored the reviving work of holiness and repentance that had been missing from the scene for 400 years. And in his prophetic ministry, the religious leaders would ridicule him and the political leaders executed him. He got whatever they gave him. John, like Elijah, led God’s people into repentance and forgiveness (restoration.) His was a ministry of restoration and renewal (of all things, if you respond.)

Pastor Rick’s Study Notes: Matthew 2:21-23, Luke 2:39-40, 51-52

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Pastor Rick’s Study Notes:

Matthew 2:21-23

Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother, and reentered Israel. When he heard, though, that Archelaus had succeeded his father, Herod, as king in Judea, he was afraid to go there. But then Joseph was directed in a dream to go to the hills of Galilee. On arrival, he settled in the village of Nazareth. This move was a fulfillment of the prophetic words, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” (The Message)

After this, he got up, took the child and his mother and traveled back to Israel. Also, he heard that Archelaus now ruled in Judea in the place of his father, Herod. He was afraid to go there and, because he was warned in a dream, he turned aside to the region of Galilee. When he arrived, he made his home in the town of Nazareth and, in doing so, fulfilled what was spoken through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”(PRT)

  • It became such a badge of honor to be from such a place and be such a Savior that it was how others identified Jesus. Come and see Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
  • When the blind or the lame would call out for healing, they called to Jesus the Nazarene.
  • The demons acknowledged his authority to drive them out as Jesus Christ the Nazarene.
  • When Mary and her friends came to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, the angel assured them that the one they looked for, this Jesus the Nazarene, is not here because He is risen.
  • Peter preaches the first Acts presentation of the Good News of the Kingdom in chapter 2 and declares the this Jesus the Nazarene is the very one who conquered death.
  • Then Peter in chapter 3 reaches down to take the hand of the paralytic and declares “I don’t have a nickel to my name; but what I have I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.
  • Paul says that even Jesus identified himself when he had the vision on the Damascus highway – “I am Jesus the Nazarene; the one you are persecuting.” (Acts 22:8)

That Jesus was from such a small, backwater village in a non-descript part of the Israel is as fitting as Jesus as a baby being born in a livestock cave.

He, as the light of the world, entered where least expected and spread throughout the world.

Joseph was warned a third time, this specific to the dangers Herod’s son Archelaus posed to their safety. That’s why Joseph took Mary and Jesus back to his home in Nazareth which was under Antipas’ rule. Interesting that Herod the Great killed off so many of his sons; but some still reign in parts of his kingdom. Archelaus proved his bloodline and refused a godly lifestyle; he was cruel and unpredictable, too.

Luke 2:39-40, 51-52

39-40 When they finished everything required by God in the Law, they returned to Galilee and their own town, Nazareth. There the child grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on him. (The Message)

39-40 When they had completed all the law of the Lord required, they returned to Galilee and to their home town of Nazareth; it was there that the child grew up and became strong and filled up with wisdom, and God’s grace was on him. (PRT)

51-52 So he went back to Nazareth with them, and lived obediently with them. His mother held these things dearly, deep within herself. And Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people. (The Message)

51-52 And Jesus went down from Jerusalem with them and came to Nazareth; he was obedient to them and his mother carefully kept all these things both said and done in her heart. (PRT)

Nazareth is where Jesus grew up, went to synagogue school, learned how to build things, and grew in spirit and the Holy Spirit fully within discovered how to express the Spirit’s fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Some may have difficulties with Jesus growing in wisdom and in the spirit as He is God incarnate. But the “incarnate” – in the flesh – is significant. If Jesus was born with all the wisdom and fully mature, he would not have come in the flesh; he would have come as a superman. He is not. He is God, and He is man.