Youth STS Lesson 91The Birth And Childhood Of Jesus
Memory Verse: “And Jesus Increased in wisdom and Stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
Text: Luke 2:1-52
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the promised Saviour not only for Israel, but the whole world. His birth as recorded in the Books of Luke and Matthew is considered as one of the greatest Events in human history. This is especially due to the fact that all the prophecies that preceded it were all accurately fulfilled after hundreds of years. Both the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were foretold by the angels. This chapter focuses On the birth and childhood of Christ as it was announced by the angel, celebrated by the host of heaven and witnessed by the shepherds; presentation in the temple as well as his initial Childhood experiences.
- PROPHECY CONCERNING THE BIRTH OF JESUS FULFILLED
Luke 2:1-7; Genesis 3:15; 49:10; Isaiah 7:14; Daniel 4:25; John 1:46
The birth of Jesus was characterized by series of preceding Events. Notably, it was revealed and promised by God the Father. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy Head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). Old Testament prophets prophesied about the birth and purpose Of His coming. Micah in his prophecy concerning Jesus’ birth captured the place and manner in which Jesus would be born. “But thou Bethlehem Ephrata, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).
Question 1: What do we learn from the fulfilment of the prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus?
The precise manner in which the prophecies concerning Jesus’ coming were fulfilled teaches us that God is faithful to His Word. It also serves as an incredible proof of the divinity of Jesus Christ. God by divine providence arranged events that Coincided with the time and place of Jesus’ birth. According to our text, Christ was born at the time when Israel was colonized by the Roman Empire. Emperor Augustus Caesar who reigned twenty-six years before Jesus’ birth had issued a decree that census should be taken in all provinces. Unknown to him, God was using this to fulfil His word. If God faithfully brought the prophecies concerning the birth of Christ to pass, then every other thing He has spoken in His word concerning you will certainly come to pass. “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). What a humble manner in which Jesus was born! That the Creator of the universe was not born in a palace, but rather in a lowly place, beats the imagination of all religious leaders and Kings. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are Mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:27,28).
- PRONOUNCEMENT OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS BY THE ANGEL
Luke 2:8-20; John 3:16; Isaiah 9:6; 1 Corinthians 1:27; Matthew 28:19, 20; Micah 5:2
When Jesus was born, only the host of heaven and His Earthly parents knew what had happened. God, not willing that man should be ignorant of the arrival of the Messiah to The world, sent an angel to bring the good news to men who humanly were looked upon as ordinary shepherds. “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. And the angel said unto them, 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” (Luke 2.9-11). The content of this pronouncement is worth considering, the angel described it as “glad tidings of great joy”, birth of “a Saviour”, “Christ the Lord” and to “all people”. This indicates that Jesus is the Saviour sent to the world. Just as it pleased God to choose a poor and humble background for the birth place of the Messiah, He also preferred to first bring these tidings to humble shepherds tendering their flocks instead of religious leaders and kings. The angelic announcement of the birth of Jesus was followed by a host of angels praising and glorifying God who has manifested His good will toward men. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Also, on receiving the news, the shepherds never hesitated to trace the exact place of Jesus’ birth; “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:16,17).
Question 2:
(a): What was the response of the shepherds after receiving the good news about the birth of Jesus?
(b) What should be our attitude to the spreading of the gospel?
Once a youth has received the good news of salvation and is born again, it is expected that he or she should not hesitate to spread the “the glad tidings of great joy”. We are to obey the command: “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
- PRESENTATION OF JESUS AND HIS PECULIAR GROWTH
Luke 2:21-52; Genesis 17:12,13; Leviticus 12:1- 4; Exodus 13:2; 1 Samuel 1: 24; Isaiah 9:6; John 8:58; 4:34; 9:4
“And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). The Mosaic laws given to the children of Israel through Moses were expected to be observed to the letter by all Israelites. Joseph and Mary, who were both from Jewish background, were faithful to the Mosaic Law and sought to three observe all religious rites, feasts and ceremonies. Three different religious rites under the law were observed.
First was the circumcision of all male children after eight days of birth (Genesis 17:12-14).
Second, the purification of every woman that just delivered (Leviticus 12:l -4).
Third, the presentation or dedication of every first born child in Israel (Exodus 13:2). Mary and Joseph faithfully performed all these rites as obedient Israelites. We are the “Israel of God”. We are expected to obey all the commandments of God.
Question 3: Mention two ordinances Christ commanded believers to observe today.
The religious rites observed under the Old Testament dispensation though not directly practised in the New Testament church are indirectly pointing us to many things. Circumcision, purification and presentation are symbols of our holiness and consecration to the Lord. The ordinances commanded to be observed today are Water Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Every true believer should observe these ordinances. Immediately Jesus was presented in the temple, Simeon, a just and devout man who waited “for the consolation of Israel” came in. He was led by the Spirit of God which revealed to him that he will not die until he sees the Saviour. As he saw the child, he took him and blessed God. When we receive answers to our prayers as Christian youths, we should appreciate God. All promises concerning us as revealed in His word shall be fulfilled. There is no power that can frustrate the manifestation of God’s glory in any area of our lives.
Question 4: What do you learn about God’s promises concerning your life?
The promises of God cover our academics, protection, Health, long life etc. We should not be afraid or seek solution elsewhere apart from Christ. Anna, a prophetess who served in fasting and prayer night and day, was led by the Holy Ghost into the temple. She also praised God for the baby. She “spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). The things they said were prophetic. “And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him (Luke 2:33). With their Utterances, God confirmed the divinity and mission of Christ “….for he shall save his people from their sins” and “..that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Matthew 1:21; 18:16). With the help of God, Jesus experienced marvelous growth. “And the child grew and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40). Jesus was twelve years old and He followed His parents to the Feast of Passover. This feast was held every year. His parents were again under obligation to go to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. As youths, we should cultivate the habit of not only following our parents to the church, but also to Worship the true God in spirit and in truth. At the end of the Feast, He stayed back. Driven by passion, He left His parents and went into the temple to interact with the religious leaders. Sitting with then, He demonstrated the wisdom of God that Baffled His hearers by asking questions and interpreting the Scriptures. At this time, Jesus’ earthly parents were looking for Him sorrowfully. When they found Him, they never got angry as many parents will do today, rather in a gentle loving voice, Mary asked “… Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing” (Luke 2:48). Jesus, being consumed with burning passion for the purpose He came to the world, gently replied His parents, “..How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49). This prophetic Statement made even at the boyhood of Jesus serves as another proof that Jesus was that Messiah sent to redeem Mankind. He repeated similar utterance to the disciple during His earthly ministry.
Question 5: List the ways we can be involved in our Fathers’ business?
There are many practical ways that a saved youth can be involved in his Father’s business:
One, reaching out to sinful youth with the gospel of Christ.
Two, searching the Scriptures daily to be able to answer the questions of other confused youths.
Three, we should also aim at giving generously for mission work, home and abroad.
Four, regular follow-up and visitation of new comers and church members is another viable way of identifying with the business of the kingdom.
Question 6: How can the Christian youth grow in all Aspects of life?
We are to live a balanced life in all areas – spiritually, academically, physically and socially. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Developing ourselves is an aspect we should not Neglect. Those who are not born again should do so. To grow spiritually, one must maintain regular quiet tine, personal bible study, have regular fellowship with other believers, ask questions when in doubt or confused. Also, to grow academically we must “study to shew thyself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15). To develop physically, we need to eat balanced diet, have regular exercise and rest. More so, to be sociably mature, one must learn how to interact with others, Participate in social events, and contribute to community development in a godly way.