How can we apply Jesus' example of wisdom in our daily lives? Setting the Scene—Matthew 13:54 “Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?’ ” • Jesus walks into familiar territory yet speaks with startling insight. • His neighbors cannot deny either His depth of understanding or the power that accompanies it. • Their question—“Where did He get this wisdom?”—points us to the Source we’re invited to draw from today. What Jesus’ Wisdom Looks Like • Rooted in Scripture: “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4,7,10). He quotes the Word as final authority. • Spirit-empowered: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me” (Luke 4:18). His wisdom flows in step with the Holy Spirit. • Practical and compassionate: He meets real needs—healing, feeding, teaching (Matthew 14:14-21). • Humble yet bold: “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16). He stays small in self, large in obedience. • Pure and peaceable (James 3:17)—never manipulative, always holy. Why His Wisdom Matters for Us • Colossians 2:3: “In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” • 1 Corinthians 1:30: “Christ Jesus…became to us wisdom from God.” • If He is our wisdom, then learning His mindset reshapes every conversation, decision, and crossroads. Daily Ways to Walk in Jesus’ Wisdom 1. Saturate Your Mind with the Word – Read a Gospel scene each morning; ask, “What does Jesus value here?” – Memorize short passages (e.g., James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6) and recite them in spare moments. 2. Stay in Step with the Spirit – Before meetings, errands, or parenting moments, whisper, “Guide me.” – Watch for inner nudges that align with Scripture’s character—peaceable, pure, full of mercy. 3. Choose Humility Over Image – Acknowledge “I don’t know everything” the way Jesus deferred to the Father (John 5:19). – Give credit to God when solutions work; deflect praise upward. 4. Serve Where You Stand – Let wisdom show itself in action (Matthew 11:19). – Look for a tangible need—carry groceries, share lunch, send an encouraging verse. 5. Filter Words Through Grace and Truth – Ask, “Will this build up?” (Ephesians 4:29). – Speak truth kindly, even when confronting error. 6. Practice Quiet Time and Quiet Tone – Jesus rose early to pray (Mark 1:35). Schedule solitude to recalibrate. – In tense moments, lower your volume; calm speech diffuses anger (Proverbs 15:1). 7. Seek Counsel, Then Obey Promptly – “Plans fail for lack of counsel” (Proverbs 15:22). Run decisions by a mature believer. – Once Scripture and Spirit confirm, act without delay—miracles often follow obedience. Verses to Keep Handy • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask… and it will be given.” • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” • Luke 2:52—“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” • Isaiah 11:2—“The Spirit of wisdom and understanding… will rest on Him.” Takeaway Truths • Wisdom is not a concept to admire but a Person to follow. • The same Spirit who filled Jesus indwells believers, supplying insight for every situation. • When our neighbors see decisions marked by humility, truth, and practical love, they will ask, “Where did they get this wisdom?”—and our lives will point them to Christ. |
    |