SESSION 4
Jesus in His
Father’s House
Summary and Goal
Jesus has a zealous love for God’s Word. As a young boy visiting the temple, Jesus asked questions
and gave answers to the religious leaders. In response to His parents, who misunderstood Him, Jesus
declared that He was involved in His Father’s work. Here we see Jesus as a fully human boy yet totally
devoted to His Father and submissive to His earthly parents. As we join Jesus in being about His
Father’s work, we too are called to grow in wisdom and obedience as we showcase His glory.
Main Passage
Luke 2:40-52
Session Outline
1. J esus learned and loved God’s law (Luke 2:40-47).
2. J esus was involved in His Father’s work (Luke 2:48-50).
3. Jesus found favor with God and others (Luke 2:51-52).
Theological Theme
As a boy, Jesus demonstrated His commitment to God’s law and to the mission His Father gave Him.
Christ Connection
As Jesus grew, He increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with people. His life
prepared Him step by step to implement the eternal mission He was given by His Father—to die on
the cross for our sins and rise again in victory.
Missional Application
God calls us to grow in wisdom and obedience as we join Jesus in being about the Father’s work.
Date of My Bible Study: ______________________
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43
Session Plan
Jesus in His
Father’s House
Session 4
For Further
Discussion
Why do you think the Bible
does not spend more time
on Jesus’ childhood?
How can too much
speculation into Jesus’
childhood reveal
a dissatisfaction with the
Bible’s sufficiency and also
distract from the purpose
of Jesus’ coming?
Pack Item 3:
Jesus: The Early
Years Map
Nazareth and Jerusalem
are highlighted on the map.
Introduction
Start with the idea of Jesus as a child and raise the question of why Luke
would give us a story about Jesus’ boyhood visit to the temple (leader p. 46;
personal study guide [PSG] p. 37).
Is it difficult for you to imagine what Jesus’ life was like as
a child? Why or why not?
What aspects of Jesus’ childhood are most intriguing
to you?
Summarize this session about Jesus as a fully human boy yet totally devoted
to His Father and submissive to His earthly parents (leader p. 46; PSG p. 38).
1. J esus learned and loved God’s law
(Luke 2:40-47).
Set up this story with the circumstances of Jesus’ upbringing in Galilee. Then
read Luke 2:40-47. Note that this might have been the moment in Jesus’ life
when He recognized His unique identity and calling as the Son of God
(leader pp. 47-48; PSG pp. 38-39).
For Further
Discussion
Did you grow up in a home with religious instruction? If so,
what was it like?
What steps can our church
or family take to involve
young people in discussions
related to the Bible?
How does that experience influence the way you see your
responsibility to your own family?
Provide the background for the Passover celebration and the custom for
families to travel in groups for safety (leader p. 48). Explain the three days
Joseph and Mary spent to find Jesus. Then observe how Jesus was listening to
the teachers and asking them questions rather than merely teaching them
(leader pp. 48-49; PSG pp. 39-40).
What opportunities should we offer children to listen to and
ask questions of the Bible?
44
Leader Guide
2. J esus was involved in His Father’s work
(Luke 2:48-50).
Ask a volunteer to read Luke 2:48-50. Point out how Mary’s frustration is
matched by Jesus’ bewilderment. Jesus was not negligent or inconsiderate but
acting on His own understanding of who He was (leader pp. 49-50; PSG p. 40).
At this stage of Jesus’ life, what do you think it meant for
Jesus to say He was involved in His Father’s work?
How does our own involvement in our Father’s work grow
as we mature physically and spiritually?
Explain Jesus’ focus on God’s Word and what His example should mean for
our churches (leader pp. 50-51; PSG p. 41).
What is the connection between Jesus’ love for God’s Word
and His involvement in God’s work?
In what ways do God’s Word and God’s work intersect in
your own life?
3. Jesus found favor with God and others
(Luke 2:51-52).
Read Luke 2:51-52. Emphasize Jesus’ perfect obedience to His parents, even
when He was misunderstood (leader p. 51; PSG pp. 42-43).
Point 3 Option
Read the “Essential
Christian Doctrine”
Sinlessness of Jesus
(leader p. 53; PSG p. 42).
Ask groups of 3-4 to
read the Scriptures
below and to discuss
the following questions
(consider writing them
on a board or sheet of
paper for groups to have;
also available on the DVD
in The Gospel Project for
Adults: Leader Pack):
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Hebrews 4:15; 7:26
• 1 Peter 2:22
• Why was it necessary for
our salvation that Jesus
lived not only a good and
sacrificial life but also
a sinless one?
• Why is it important to
remember that being
a human does not always
mean being a sinner?
After a few minutes,
call for groups to share
some of their responses
and reflections.
When is it difficult for you to show honor to those
in authority?
Highlight the parallel between verses 40 and 52. Comment on how we,
like Jesus, should gain favor by engaging with the Word and with the world
around us with the gospel (leader p. 52; PSG p. 43).
How is it that we can expect to find favor with the world
around us even though we expect to be opposed by
the world?
What aspects of Christian character should help us grow in
the favor we receive from others?
Conclusion
Challenge the group with Jesus’ example of being frequently misunderstood
yet always obedient to God’s calling (leader p. 53; PSG p. 44). Apply the truths
of this session with “His Mission, Your Mission” (PSG p. 45).
Christ Connection: As
Jesus grew, He increased
in wisdom and stature
and in favor with God
and with people. His life
prepared Him step by step
to implement the eternal
mission He was given by
His Father—to die on the
cross for our sins and rise
again in victory.
........................................................
Missional Application: God
calls us to grow in wisdom
and obedience as we join
Jesus in being about the
Father’s work.
Session 4
45
Expanded Session Content
Jesus in His
Father’s House
Session 4
Introduction
Voices from
the Church
“He, whose extended
family would one day
stand and watch him from
a distance (Luke 23:49),
stands in a much closer
relationship to Another,
as he is quick to inform his
parents (2:49)…His parents
must learn to live with the
fact that he, their son, is
a stranger and guest in
their home, for he is under
orders from Another.” 1
–Paul John Isaak
The Bible gives us just one precious window into the childhood of
Jesus. It comes from Luke, who, as we saw in previous sessions, had likely
interviewed Jesus’ mother, Mary, as he put together his account of Jesus’
life. We’ve already seen how Luke described Mary’s thought process and
feelings, how she pondered the events of Jesus’ birth and treasured them in
her heart. Only from firsthand testimony could Luke have received such
intimate details.
But why this story? And why does it center on Jesus at the temple?
When you consider all of the events Luke could have recounted, including
the death of Jesus’ adoptive father, Joseph, or Jesus’ career as a carpenter
or His relationship with His brothers, we wonder: Why does Luke give us
this story and not others? What is so important about Jesus’ boyhood visit to
the temple?
Is it difficult for you to imagine what Jesus’ life was like as
a child? Why or why not?
What aspects of Jesus’ childhood are most intriguing
to you?
Session Summary
In this session we see Jesus’ zealous love for God’s Word. As a
young boy visiting the temple, Jesus asked questions and gave answers
to the religious leaders. In response to His parents, who misunderstood
Him, Jesus declared that He was involved in His Father’s work. Here
we see Jesus as a fully human boy yet totally devoted to His Father and
submissive to His earthly parents. As we join Jesus in being about His
Father’s work, we too are called to grow in wisdom and obedience as we
showcase His glory.
46
Leader Guide
1. Jesus learned and loved God’s law
(Luke 2:40-47).
Jesus grew up in Galilee among Jewish people who were marginal in
their observance of God’s law. In contrast, the Jews in the South, in
Judea, were more scrupulous in their observance of the law. Even though
Jesus’ family lived among marginal, nominal Jews, they were faithful to
the law of God. As an example, Luke told us that Joseph and Mary went
to Jerusalem every year for the Passover—a long, ten-day walk
from Galilee.
Our session today picks up with Jesus as a 12 year old, growing in
wisdom and knowledge. As a child, Jesus would have learned to read in
the context of the synagogue. It was a place where children were taught to
read, using the alphabetical psalms (like Psalm 119) to learn their letters.
Perhaps it was during some of these early reading sessions in the synagogue
when Jesus began to sense God’s unique call on His life. (Later, we will see
Jesus in the synagogue where He grew up, in Nazareth, announcing the
fulfillment of Isaiah 61 in the presence of His hometown friends
and neighbors.)
And the child grew and
became strong, filled with
wisdom. And the favor of
God was upon him.
41
Now his parents went
to Jerusalem every year at
the Feast of the Passover.
42
And when he was twelve
years old, they went up
according to custom. 43 And
when the feast was ended,
as they were returning, the
boy Jesus stayed behind in
Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the
group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him
among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find
him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days
they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them
and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his
understanding and his answers.
40
Further
Commentary
“There is a centuries-old
question here: was Jesus
a disobedient child? Some
think so…Others disagree,
and for good reasons. The
most important of these is
that Jesus was without sin—
he never sinned…The corpus
of the New Testament rests
on his sinless perfection.
The writer of Hebrews
describes him as ‘tempted
in every way, just as we
are—yet was without sin’
[Heb. 4:15]. And again as
‘one who is holy, blameless,
pure, set apart from sinners’
[Heb. 7:26]. Peter extolled
his sinlessness by saying,
‘He committed no sin, and
no deceit was found in his
mouth’ (1 Pet. 2:22). John
categorically said, ‘And in
him is no sin’ (1 John 3:5).
Paul affirmed that Christ
‘had no sin’ (2 Cor. 5:21).
To say Jesus sinned by
being a disobedient son
contradicts Christ’s words
and all of Scripture.” 2
–R. Kent Hughes
Voices from
Church History
“One part of His Father’s
business was, to send into
the world a perfect example
for our imitation. God had
written [diverse] books of
example in the lives of the
saints. One man was noted
for one virtue, and another
for another. At last, God
determined that he would
gather all his works into
one volume, and give a
condensation of all virtues
in the person of our Lord
Jesus Christ.” 3
–Charles Spurgeon
(1834-1892)
Session 4
47
Further
Commentary
“The explanation for
Jesus’ behavior here rests,
I believe, in the genuineness
of his incarnation and his
growing awareness of
who he was. Accepting the
Incarnation at face value
means that Jesus was
genuinely a twelve-yearold. Though fully God, he
was also human. Choosing
not to avail himself of all
the prerogatives of deity,
he learned in the same
way we do. As a child he
had to learn that two plus
two equals four, and as
a twelve-year-old he was
still learning about every
part of life—including
faith and relationships.
As a twelve-year-old,
he did not have the finetuned social awareness
he would have at age
thirty. The point is, he was
capable of ‘unknowingly’
causing his parents
distress; but as a sinless
being, he was incapable
of ‘knowingly’ doing it.
Here, Jesus unknowingly
brought anxiety to Joseph
and Mary. Moreover, he
unintentionally caused his
parents to worry because
his twelve-year-old mind
was totally absorbed
with the massive spiritual
realization of his identity
as the Messiah that had
come to him that week.
The combination of his
authentic adolescence and
the immensely absorbing
revelation regarding his
own person so occupied
his mind that he did not
imagine that staying in
the temple would cause
anyone alarm. Jesus did
not sin in any of this. The
sinless twelve-year-old
Son of God was simply
following the logic of the
massive spiritual revelation
of that week.” 4
–R. Kent Hughes
48
Leader Guide
There comes a time in every child’s life when they must choose to
make the faith of their parents their own. We have seen that Joseph and
Mary were careful to observe the Torah, even when it involved an arduous
journey to Jerusalem. Perhaps this was that moment in Jesus’ life, when
the Son of God recognized His special calling.
Jesus had traveled with His parents every year to Jerusalem, and He
had entered God’s house along with them. But now He realized that it
was His Father’s house in a unique way. (The next time we see Him in
the temple, He will be risking life and limb for the purity of His Father’s
house when He expels the merchants from the courts.)
Did you grow up in a home with religious instruction? If so,
what was it like?
How does that experience influence the way you see your
responsibility to your own family?
Jesus and His family went to Jerusalem to participate in the Passover
celebration. The central part of the observance would have been the
offering of the Passover lamb, with which Jews were to remember how the
Lord had miraculously brought their ancestors out of slavery in Egypt. By
the sacrifice of a lamb and its blood painted on their doorways, the Lord
passed over His people during the plague that punished Egypt with the
death of their firstborn sons. This Old Testament image would be fulfilled
by Jesus some 21 years in the future. He, the innocent Lamb of God,
would be sacrificed for the sins of the world.
The custom was for families to travel in groups for safety, with the
men separate from the women. Perhaps this explains why the young
Jesus was “misplaced.” Maybe Mary assumed He was with the men while
Joseph thought He still might be traveling with the women. At 12 years of
age, He could have been with either group. Perhaps His parents thought
He was with another one of the family members.
Mary and Joseph’s group left for Galilee and traveled one day before
anyone noticed Jesus was gone. Apparently, they then turned around and
walked another day back to the city. They spent the third day looking all
over for Jesus. Imagine their relief when they returned to the temple court
and found the young boy sitting with the teachers, absorbed in listening
to their teaching. When He returns as a young rabbi, Jesus will use the
same area of the temple court for His own teaching (Matt. 21:14,23;
26:55; Luke 19:45).
If you look closely at the text, you will notice that Jesus was not simply
teaching the elders, as the Renaissance paintings often depict. Luke says
He was “listening to them” and “asking them questions,” as was His
right as a 12-year-old boy. He was of the age where he was expected to
interact with adults in matters of the Torah. But verse 47 also tells us those
who were there were “amazed” at the understanding Jesus displayed in
His answers. Obviously, He was fully engaged in the discussion, asking
questions and answering them as well.
The command in Deuteronomy 6:7 to discuss the law when you “sit,”
“walk,” “lie down,” and “rise” was taken very seriously. It was seen as an
expression of love for the law, giving yourself to reading and discussing it
throughout the day. The young Jesus in the temple displayed this Jewish
preoccupation with understanding the Bible. He had seen it in His home
and in the synagogue in Nazareth. Now in the holy city, Jerusalem itself,
Jesus became a full participant in that aspect of the life of His family.
What opportunities should we offer children to listen to and
ask questions of the Bible?
2. Jesus was involved in His Father’s work
(Luke 2:48-50).
As you read the next part of this story, take note of the seeming
surprise in Jesus’ voice. Why did His parents have to search for Him? He
seems puzzled that they would not have assumed they should go straight
to the temple. After all, He had to be there, right? Where else would He
be? Look at how the story progresses:
And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother
said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and
I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them,
“Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my
Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke
to them.
48
Mary’s question is maternal and thus rings of authenticity. It sounds
like any exasperated mother would. The frustration in Mary is matched
by the bewilderment in Jesus. He seemed surprised that they would be
searching for Him.
Further
Commentary
“Jesus’ point is that his
career must be about
instruction on the way of
God, for the temple was
not only a place of worship,
but was also a place of
teaching. Jesus has a call to
instruct the nation. Though
he is twelve now, a day is
coming when this will be
his priority. The reference
to his Father is also crucial,
since it infers an intimate
personal relationship
to God that drives him
(cf. 10:21-22). Early on Jesus
understands that he is
called to do his Father’s
work. By saying ‘I had to be,’
Jesus begins to undertake
such a path, a route that
one day will mean he will
go his own way. Luke loves
to mark key sayings with
dei (‘it is necessary’) to
show the presence of the
fulfillment of God’s plan
(4:4; 9:22; 13:33; 17:25; 19:5;
22:37; 24:7,26,44). Here
is the high point of the
infancy narrative, as Jesus
explains his call in his own
words. In the meantime, he
is obedient to his parents.
All Mary can do is ponder
such events in her heart,
something Luke’s reader
is to do also. We should
recall that Jesus makes it
clear that those who know
God have, in a sense, two
families—the biological one
in which God has placed
them and the spiritual one
they have because they
know him.” 5
–Darrell Bock
Session 4
49
Voices from
the Church
“Jesus has chosen this
crucial stage in his life,
on the brink of manhood,
to tell his parents in an
unforgettable way that he
now knows who his real
Father is and what it will
mean for his mission.” 6
–John Piper
Voices from
the Church
“It is no longer Gabriel,
or Mary, or Zechariah,
or angels or Simeon
who speaks, but Jesus
Himself who declares his
understanding of his life
and mission.” 7
–Takatemjen
50
Leader Guide
“Why have you treated us so?” It was not a question designed for an
answer. Mary was making a point. They couldn’t understand why Jesus
would have been gone for three days.
Jesus did not respond to Mary’s question. Instead, He responded to
her second statement, “Your father and I have been searching for you in
great distress.” In youthful simplicity, Jesus wondered out loud why they
had to search for Him. His answer indicates that He thought it would
be clear where He was—in His Father’s house, attending to His Father’s
business. There was no negligence or inconsiderate behavior here. Jesus was
acting on His own understanding of who He was.
At this stage of Jesus’ life, what do you think it meant for
Jesus to say He was involved in His Father’s work?
How does our own involvement in our Father’s work grow
as we mature physically and spiritually?
This misunderstanding by His family occurs again in the Gospels. In
Mark 3:21, Jesus’ family worried that He was out of His mind because He
was not taking the time to eat properly. But once again, He was busy
doing His Father’s business. Later in the ministry, John records an incident
where Jesus’ own brothers ridiculed Him. They did not understand the
calling on His life. From the beginning, Jesus’ own family was forced to
wrestle with what God was doing in and through His life. Jesus’ perfect
obedience puzzled them.
John’s Gospel often presents the “misunderstood Jesus.” Whenever
Jesus says something deeply spiritual in John, the response of His
listeners is almost always misunderstanding (cf. John 3:9; 4:11ff). But
here, as Luke provides a small window into His youthful life, we see
that even as a child, Jesus was misunderstood by those who loved Him
the most.
Jesus’ family misunderstood His task, but Jesus did not. In fact, in the
temple, Jesus displayed a disturbing clarity. He knew precisely where He
was supposed to be and what He was supposed to be doing: His Father’s
business (see Luke 2:49, KJV). He was engaging with the text of Scripture,
together with a community of men who had come together around God’s
Word. He did not appear to be dominating the scene; rather, He was
asking questions right along with everyone else. The ability to formulate
a meaningful question was and still is highly regarded among the rabbis.
Often there is more learning in the question than in the answer. Asking
intentional and thought-provoking questions was a practice Jesus engaged
in throughout His ministry. It is a mark of an excellent teacher.
As we come together, a worshipful community around the Word of
God, we join in the corporate life that was a part of Jesus’ experience from
the beginning. Young people are to be included in the discussions around
the Word. Their questions, even though sometimes simple, are to be
regarded as serious. In these conversations, we encourage people to join the
community of the Word.
What is the connection between Jesus’ love for God’s Word
and His involvement in God’s work?
In what ways do God’s Word and God’s work intersect in
your own life?
3. Jesus found favor with God and others
(Luke 2:51-52).
And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive
to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with
God and man.
51
Luke wants us to be clear regarding the nature of this incident. Make
no doubt about it—Jesus was perfectly obedient to His parents. After all,
honoring your parents is the Fifth Commandment (Deut. 5:16). The fact
that Jesus was separated from His family was not an act of disobedience
but a misunderstanding. Neither was His response to His mother one of
belligerence. Being misunderstood is something that will follow Jesus
throughout His life. The young boy returned home to Nazareth with His
family and remained there as an obedient son, “increasing in wisdom and
in stature and in favor with God and man.”
As Jesus participated fully in our human experience, He took part in
a believing community as well as a pious family. He progressed in His
understanding of the different relationships He had. In all this, Jesus was
the perfect paradigm, fully obedient in honoring His father and mother,
and thus able to fulfill the law for us in our place. The fact that He was
obedient even when misunderstood reminds us that the authority God
places over us is not dependent on our own feelings. In obedience to
God’s Word, we must honor those whom God has placed in authority
over us.
When is it difficult for you to show honor to those
in authority?
Further
Commentary
“These are the first words
of Jesus recorded in
Scripture, and it raises the
issue of Jesus’ messianic
consciousness. How and
when did he know he was
God’s Son? Evidence is
scarce. However, Jesus’
response to his parents
points to the fact that even
at a young age the things
of God were of supreme
importance to him. He
must be involved in the
work of divine things, and
therefore what better
place for him to be than
the temple? Still more
important is his statement,
‘My Father’s house.’ The
first recorded words out
of Jesus’ mouth draw
attention to the intimate
relationship he enjoys with
the Father…Jesus, even at
the early age of twelve,
already demonstrated filial
obedience to the Father.
He is here to do his will.
Whether all the details of
his future are known is not
revealed. What is clear,
however, is that he already
sees himself and knows
himself to have an intimate
and personal relationship
with the Father, the kind
only a Son would know.” 8
–Daniel L. Akin
Session 4
51
Voices from
Church History
“Consider the most
prudent woman Mary,
mother of true Wisdom,
as the pupil of her Son. For
she learned from him, not
as from a child or man but
as from God.” 9
–Bede (circa 673-735)
For the second time, Luke stops the action and throws the spotlight
on Mary. The first was in Luke 2:19, after the shepherds had come and
gone with their news of angelic glory and a remarkable message. At that
point in the narrative, Mary was pictured alone, treasuring and pondering
all that was happening around and in her. That was the sort of young
woman she was, thoughtful and meditative. Now, 12 years later, she was
still sorting these images in her heart, as she would no doubt be doing for
the rest of her life.
The statement in verse 52 corresponds to the beginning of our story
(v. 40). These parallel statements indicate that Jesus grew in wisdom and
in favor. The favor Mary first found with God (1:30) was lavished upon
Jesus’ life as well. The favor Luke tells us Jesus had with the people would
return in the early years of His ministry, when He was hounded by the
crowds. But as the popularity of His messianic vision began to erode,
Jesus would eventually be left all alone without anyone’s favor as He died
on the cross.
So often we focus on Jesus “the radical” or Jesus “the stumbling
stone.” The fact is, He had close and congenial relationships throughout
His life. Beginning here in the temple, where the elders appreciated His
first-rate understanding of the Scriptures, Jesus will again and again
receive praise from the people who can only say, “No one ever spoke like
this man!” (John 7:46; cf. Matt. 7:28-29).
Jesus’ kindness and compassion, as well as the moving words He
spoke, drew men and women to Himself throughout the brief years of His
time here on Earth. This is what He had in mind when He encouraged
His followers to shine like lights in a darkened world. We are not to hide
our light under a basket, just as Jesus did not. Whatever the cost, we must
risk gaining favor as Jesus gained favor, by engaging with the Word and
with the world around us.
How is it that we can expect to find favor with the world
around us even though we expect to be opposed by
the world?
What aspects of Christian character should help us grow in
the favor we receive from others?
52
Leader Guide
Conclusion
As God’s Son living a human life, Jesus experienced the confusion that
all young people feel as they become self-aware, as they begin to learn that
God has an intention and a calling upon their lives. The Gospels are not
reluctant to portray the difficulty Jesus experienced. He is not pictured as
some sort of Superman, walking six inches above the earth. To the
contrary, He experienced conflict with His family even as a young boy.
As a grown man, Jesus will come into conflict with the teachers of the
law as well as with His own disciples. He was frequently misunderstood and
yet never lost sight of God’s call and purpose for His life. We will see that
even when Satan put up a direct challenge to His identity in the wilderness,
Jesus remained faithful and obedient to His Father. As a 12 year old, He
faced the frustration of His parents with the same obedient spirit as they
grew in their understanding of His identity and mission.
And so, you and I, if we have the courage to follow Jesus, will find that
like Him we will be misunderstood. Our new identities in Him will be
challenged by those around us, even members of our own families. But if
we follow His example, empowered by His grace, we too can remain
obedient to God’s call on our lives.
CHRIST CONNECTION: As Jesus grew, He increased in wisdom
and stature and in favor with God and with people. His life
prepared Him step by step to implement the eternal mission He
was given by His Father—to die on the cross for our sins and rise
again in victory.
When we walk with the Lord In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way! Let us do His good will;
He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.
Voices from
the Church
“God’s Word to us in the
person of Jesus Christ is
a reference point, a source
of equilibrium, a message
of grace, the promise of
forgiveness and healing
that stands forever, in
spite of our failures and sin
and brokenness.” 11
–Marva Dawn
99 Essential
Christian Doctrines
48. Sinlessness of Jesus
While the Bible affirms
the full humanity of Jesus,
it also affirms that Jesus
was completely sinless
throughout His earthly
life (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 7:26;
1 Pet. 2:22). Nevertheless,
because Jesus was fully
human, He experienced
real temptation of sin, as
seen during His trials in
the wilderness (Matt. 4).
Yet even though His trials
and temptations were real
and similar to the rest of
humanity’s, Hebrews 4:15
confirms that Jesus did
not sin.
Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross But is blest if we trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey, For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, But to trust and obey. 10
–John H. Sammis (1846-1919)
Session 4
53
Additional Resources
Jesus in His Father’s House
References
1. Paul John Isaak, “Luke,” in Africa
Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh
Adeyemo (Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 2010) [eBook].
2. R. Kent Hughes, Luke, Volume 1,
in Preaching the Word (Wheaton:
Crossway, 2008) [WORDsearch].
3. Charles Spurgeon, “Christ About
His Father’s Business,” in The
Complete Works of C. H. Spurgeon,
vol. 3 (United States: Delmarva
Publications, 2013) [eBook].
4. R. Kent Hughes, Luke, Volume 1, in
Preaching the Word [WORDsearch].
5. Darrell L. Bock, Luke, in The
NIV Application Commentary
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012)
[WORDsearch].
6. John Piper, “The Son of God at 12
Years Old,” Desiring God [online],
12 January 1981 [cited 2 August
2016]. Available from the Internet:
www.desiringgod.org.
7. Takatemjen, South Asia Bible
Commentary, ed. Brian Wintle
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2015), 1336.
8. Daniel L. Akin, “The Person of
Christ,” in A Theology for the Church,
ed. Daniel L. Akin (Nashville: B&H,
2014), 414-15.
9. Bede, Exposition of the Gospel
of Luke, 2.51, in Luke, ed. Arthur A.
Just Jr., vol. III in Ancient Christian
Commentary on Scripture: New
Testament (Downers Grove: IVP,
2014) [WORDsearch].
10. John H. Sammis, “Trust and
Obey,” in Baptist Hymnal (Nashville:
LifeWay Worship, 2008), 500.
11. Marva J. Dawn, To Walk and Not
Faint (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1997), 48.
12. Adapted from Field Guide for
Small Group Leaders, by Sam
O’Neal (Downers Grove: IVP,
2012), 157-61.
54
Leader Guide
Get expert insights on weekly studies through Ministry
Grid at MinistryGrid.com/web/TheGospelProject.
Grow with other group leaders at the Group Ministry
blog at LifeWay.com/GroupMinistry.
Study Material
-- “Increasing in Wisdom”—Chapter 3 from The Man Christ Jesus
by Bruce A. Ware
-- “The Humanity of Jesus Christ”—Lecture by Bruce Ware; find a link to
this lecture at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources
-- Previous Biblical Illustrator articles, including “Herod’s Temple,”
can be purchased, along with other articles for this quarter, at
LifeWay.com/BiblicalIllustrator. Look for Bundles: The Gospel Project.
Sermon Podcast
Alistair Begg: “The Man Who Is God, Part 1”
Find a link to this at GospelProject.com/AdditionalResources
Tip of the Week
Tips for Facilitating Group Discussion
1. Silence Is Your Friend. Silence often seems awkward and uncomfortable in
the midst of a group meeting, especially in response to a question asked
to the group. As a leader, you may feel the desire to jump in and quickly
rephrase a question or even answer it yourself, but resist the urge. Silence
can and probably means your group members are thinking about their
response. Give them time, between thirty to sixty seconds. If no one
responds at this point, then you can rephrase. But don’t belabor the point
or try to engineer an obvious response. If a question bombs, just move on.
2. Th
ree Important Words a Group Leader Should Know. As a group leader,
you will likely be perceived as the expert in the room. This can put you
under a lot of pressure to know answers to sticky questions or details
about doctrines. Instead of “winging” an expert opinion, shutting down
conversation, or potentially causing damage to the truth, feel free to
share these three important words: “I don’t know.” And if needed, these
can be followed up by three more words: “I’ll find out.” 12
About the Writers
Unit 1:
Michael Card has recorded over 37 albums, authored over
The Gospel Project®
Adult Leader Guide ESV
Volume 5, Number 3 Spring 2017
Eric Geiger
Vice President, LifeWay Resources
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25 books, hosted a radio program, and written for a wide range
of magazines. He has penned such favorites as “El Shaddai,”
“Love Crucified Arose,” and “Emmanuel.” He has sold more
than 4 million albums and written over 19 #1 hits, but the
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life—to simply and quietly teach the Bible.
Unit 2:
D. A. Horton currently serves as a pastor at Reach Fellowship,
a church plant in Los Angeles, California, and as the Chief
Evangelist for UYWI. He is also working toward his PhD
in Applied Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary. He and his wife, Elicia, have three children, Izabelle,
Lola, and Damon Jr (aka Duce).
Special Session—Easter:
Richard R. Melick Jr. serves as a Distinguished Professor of
New Testament, Affiliated Faculty, at Gateway Seminary. He
is a consulting editor for The New American Commentary, for
which he also contributed the volume Philippians, Colossians,
Philemon. He and his wife, Shera, coauthored Teaching That
Transforms. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
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