Dark Horses: Overlooked Heroes - Day 24
Day 24 - Thursday, July 25
Read Luke 2:41-52
Highlight
This is the only glimpse of Jesus as a boy. Scholars have a few different ideas as to why Luke added this story in his Gospel - to show Jesus’ comfortableness in the Temple, with the language of God as “Father,” Jesus’ awareness of who He is. But another importance this story points out is Joseph and Mary’s fidelity in holding true to all of the Jewish laws and customs.
The three festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles were to be celebrated in Jerusalem each year. It was not likely that everyone could make all three, but Passover was often the festival most attended. It was especially important for a Jewish boy to attend in the years before he became a “son of the covenant,” a custom that is now called bar-mitzvah, because he would learn what was expected of him as a Jewish man. Joseph would have gone through this tradition and have known the importance of Jesus going through it as well. In that he made it a priority for their family to follow and uphold the Jewish customs. The same faith that God saw in Joseph and Mary at the very beginning was present all through Jesus’ life.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
Read Luke 2:41-52
Highlight
This is the only glimpse of Jesus as a boy. Scholars have a few different ideas as to why Luke added this story in his Gospel - to show Jesus’ comfortableness in the Temple, with the language of God as “Father,” Jesus’ awareness of who He is. But another importance this story points out is Joseph and Mary’s fidelity in holding true to all of the Jewish laws and customs.
The three festivals of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles were to be celebrated in Jerusalem each year. It was not likely that everyone could make all three, but Passover was often the festival most attended. It was especially important for a Jewish boy to attend in the years before he became a “son of the covenant,” a custom that is now called bar-mitzvah, because he would learn what was expected of him as a Jewish man. Joseph would have gone through this tradition and have known the importance of Jesus going through it as well. In that he made it a priority for their family to follow and uphold the Jewish customs. The same faith that God saw in Joseph and Mary at the very beginning was present all through Jesus’ life.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying about God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth? Who could you share this story with and how God is speaking to you about it this week?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8).
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