Even while laughing with them, there was a quality and a strength to him that made him, without trying to be, more than they were.”
–Clair Huffaker (Cowboy)
“Only God! The God who equips me with strength and makes my way perfect.”
–Psalm 18:32 (CEB)
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LENT: a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter; a period of fasting and regret for one’s sins that is observed on the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter. At least that is what I found on the internet. I’ve not been one to get involved with “Lent”, the main reason being, shouldn’t we always be preparing ourselves, regretting our sins and repenting? Why only at this time of year? It wasn’t practiced by the early Church and from what I’ve read it wasn’t formalized until the Council of Nicaea.
However, on the other hand I have no problem with those who practice what is suggested during Lent. It can bring one’s mind to focus on Jesus Christ and all that entails. This morningI want us to ponder the life of Jesus. We know that He lived in a world where the local ruler, Herod, was paranoid and violent. Read his reactions when the Magi did not return. Also, during the boyhood of Jesus, the area of Palestine was under Roman rule. This was the beginning of what is known as “Pax Romana” and in one aspect it was good, but the Jews hated the dominance of Rome.
James Stalker writes, “It is enough to know that He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. He was a real child and youth, and passed through all the stages of a natural development. Body and mind grew together, the one expanding to manly vigor and the other acquiring more and more knowledge and power. His opening character exhibited a grace that made everyone who saw it wonder and love its goodness and purity.” Do not! I repeat, do not get caught in the wild tales that some tell of His boyhood. These are nothing more than “worthless and blasphemous fables.” (Stalker)
His earthly father, Joseph, was responsible for the training of Jesus, especially in giving Him a trade. Since Joseph was a carpenter (or stonemason as some say) it would follow that Jesus would be one as well. But before He was old enough to begin as a trade there was the responsibility of Joseph to properly train Jesus. Remember, the dreams of Joseph. He knew that Jesus was the Son of God; he also recognized the responsibilities of a father. It was his job to protect the young boy. Joseph knew and recognized the voice of God. I bring your attention to Matthew’s Gospel:
“Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.” (2:16, NKJV) But we must back up to see the faith of Joseph, “Now then they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.'” (2:13, NKJV) Jesus most likely would not understand what was happening. He could be at least two years old when this happened, so at an early age His life was disrupted and the family moved to Egypt until the death of Herod. Certainly as He became older Joseph and Mary would tell Him of this dream, this event, and the escape to Egypt. I wonder what He thought of that event knowing that many were killed to get at Him.
We know that Mary was chosen to be His mother, and she would perform all the motherly duties. She must have been well-versed in Scripture and had a tremendous faith in God. “She was no miraculous queen of heaven, as superstition has caricatured her, but a woman exquisitely pure, saintly, loving and high-souled… Jesus grew up in her love and passionately returned it.” (Stalker) There were His brothers: James, Joses (Joseph), Jude, and Simon as well as an unknown number of sisters. We know nothing of their boyhood relationship with Jesus. Perhaps their attention was on His siblings and that was the reason they didn’t notice that Jesus was missing when they were returning from the Passover when Jesus was twelve. It could be that He was somewhat older and therefore did not form a strong bond with His brothers and sisters. Also this would be the last mention of Joseph, His father and it would be the time when He was accepted into manhood. The words of Luke give us the following: “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” (2:40, NKJV)
He grew, physically, mentally, and spiritually. He must have spent much time in the Holy Writ devoting Himself to it. Did He find Himself within the writings? Most likely He did. “It formed the food of His mind and the comfort of His soul.” (Stalker) Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a town that did not have a very good reputation. It was notoriously wicked and the question was asked one time regarding Jesus, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”
In this season, whether or not you recognize “Lent,” take time to focus on the life of Jesus. Concentrate and focus your efforts on some aspects of His life. Read a “good” book on the Lord. Take time to pray–to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Understand that He was definitely a man for His times, but also know and understand that He was a man for all time.