Looking for Jesus

Luke 2:40-52

Luke 2:40-4640 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace 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 to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

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Luke 2:47-5247 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

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People are Looking for JesusMost are looking in the wrong

places–Media (movies, TV, magazines,

books)–Religious holidays and festivals–History–Art

Why should you look for Him?–He came looking for you - Luke 19:10–Seek Him to be saved - Matthew

11:28-30

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You Will Not Find Jesus Today…

In the Jewish temple keeping the Law of Moses - Luke 2:42–When on earth, He kept LOM - Matt.

26:18– Jesus fulfilled & removed OT law with

its shadows (including feasts) Matt. 5:17; Col. 2:13-17; Eph. 2:14-15; Heb.

7:18-19

–You will not find Jesus today by going back to the OT for your authority to serve Him

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You Will Not Find Jesus Today…

In religious traditions - Luke 2:46–Won’t find Him in a manger during

Christmas worship services - Luke 2:16

–Won’t find Him on Easter morning at a sunrise service - Luke 24:1-3

–All such inventions of men are vain worship before God John 4:23-24; Matthew 15:7-9

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You Will Not Find Jesus Today…

Among relatives & friends - Lk. 2:44–Love our families, but they are not the

source of truth & salvation Matthew 10:34-37

–One cost of discipleship is choosing Christ before family Luke 14:25-26, 33 (5:8-11)

–How can we find Jesus among those who are not following Him in truth?

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You Will Not Find Jesus Today…

On a throne in Jerusalem - Lk. 2:45–Premillennialism tries to find Jesus

there–Christ is a Priest & King at the same

time Zechariah 6:12-13

– If He were on earth, not a priest - Hebrews 8:4– His throne is not & will not be on earth - 1 Thess. 4:17

–But, He was born to be a King - Jno. 18:37 His Kingdom is not of this world - Jno.

18:36 His Kingdom exists today! Col. 1:13; Rev.

1:9

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You Will Not Find Jesus Today…

In the halls of worldly wisdomLuke 2:40, 46-47, 52– He was certainly wise about this world– His wisdom excels man’s in every way

Luke 11:31; Mark. 6:1-4; John 7:32, 45-46

–World’s wisdom will not bring you to God 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

–Whose wisdom can you rely on: Your own? The world’s? Jesus’?

– Colossians 2:8

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You Will Find Jesus Today… In His temple (the church) - Luke

2:46– Jewish temple destroyed by His

authoritative judgment - Matthew 23:37-24:1-2

– His temple has been built - Ephesians 2:19-22

Exalted at right hand of God– Acts 2:33 (Matt. 28:18)

Head of His body (church) - Ephesians 1:22-23

Prophet - Acts 3:22-26 High Priest - Hebrews 8:1-3; 10:21 King - Acts 2:33-36 (Psalms 110:1-2) Savior of His church - Ephesians 5:23

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You Will Find Jesus Today… In the Scriptures - Luke 2:46-47

– Invited to learn from Jesus, but how? (Matt. 11:29) Eph. 4:20-21

–Testimony of Scripture - John 5:39-40

–Produce faith leading to life - John 20:31

–Willing hearts…believe & be savedActs 17:11-12

– Jesus the Word of truth that leads us to God John 1:1-2, 14-18

–Refuse to hear His words…do not have God John 8:46-47

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You Will Find Jesus Today…Doing His Father’s business -

Luke 2:49; John 8:29; 9:4– Jesus will not bend to our will

Matthew 7:21-23By humbly, sincerely &

earnestly looking for Him - Luke 2:48–Parents looked for Jesus “anxiously”

(with intense pain, sorrow)–Keep pure motives

John 6:25-27; Matthew 5:3-6

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You Will Not Find Jesus Today…

In the Jewish temple keeping the Law of Moses

In religious traditionsAmong relatives & friendsOn a throne in Jerusalem In the halls of worldly wisdom

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Look for Jesus Where He Will Be Found! In His Word In His ChurchAt the Right Hand of GodDoing the Father’s Will

Look where Jesus is & you will find Him! - Matthew 7:7, 8