What can we learn from Joseph and Mary's reaction to Jesus' prophetic role? The Scene: Promise Meets Fulfillment (Luke 2:25-33) • Joseph and Mary bring the forty-day-old Jesus to the temple, faithfully keeping Leviticus 12. • Simeon, moved by the Spirit, prophesies that the Child is God’s salvation “prepared in the sight of all people” (Luke 2:30-32). • Immediately afterward, “the Child’s father and mother were amazed at what was spoken about Him” (Luke 2:33). Why Their Amazement Matters • Fresh Wonder – Even after angelic visits (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:20-25) they still stand in awe. – Familiarity never dulls their sense of worship; each new word from God is treasured. • Humble Hearts – They do not interrupt Simeon with, “We already know.” Instead they receive, ponder, and learn. – Proverbs 3:5 echoes this posture: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” • Teachable Spirits – Luke twice records Mary’s habit of meditation: “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Luke 2:19, 51). – A teachable spirit keeps revelation alive and growing (Psalm 119:18). • Obedient Action – Their trip to Jerusalem itself is obedience (Luke 2:22-24). Wonder does not replace duty; it fuels it. • Prepared for Costly Glory – Simeon warns, “A sword will pierce your own soul as well” (Luke 2:34-35). They accept both honor and hardship—foreshadowing the cross (Luke 9:22). Linked Moments of Awe • At Jesus’ birth: shepherds’ report—Mary reflects (Luke 2:17-19). • At age twelve: temple dialog—parents astonished (Luke 2:48-51). • At Cana: first miracle—disciples believe (John 2:11). These snapshots show that God often deepens understanding gradually; each revelation invites renewed amazement and faith. Lessons for Today • Cultivate Continual Wonder – Schedule time to read the Gospels slowly; let Scripture renew amazement (Hebrews 12:2). • Welcome Ongoing Revelation – Even long-time believers can hear something “new” from a familiar passage (Isaiah 50:4). • Hold Truth and Mystery Together – Like Joseph and Mary, accept what is clear while trusting God for what remains hidden (Deuteronomy 29:29). • Pair Reverence with Obedience – Let fresh insight move you to fresh obedience—whether that means serving, giving, or speaking (James 1:22). • Prepare for Both Joy and Cost – The same Jesus who brings glory also calls us to carry a cross (Matthew 16:24-25). Marveling at Him equips us for that path. Walking in Their Footsteps • Guard your heart from dullness; ask the Spirit to restore holy surprise (Psalm 51:12). • Keep a record of God’s words and works as Mary did—journaling, memorizing, sharing. • Encourage the next generation, just as Joseph and Mary nurtured Jesus (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Luke 2:52). • Stand ready for whatever God’s prophetic word may require, confident that His purposes will be fulfilled exactly as spoken (Isaiah 55:11). |
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