Let me start with a question.

Have you ever lost anything? What is the first question others who try to help will ask? They will say, “Where did you last have it?” If I knew that I would go get it. 

A better question and the one that Joseph and Mary seemed to ask about Jesus was, “Where do we think he might have gone.”

Our story today is from Event 11:

Jesus in the temple at age 12

Our text is Luke 2:41-52

Here’s the Summary: 

Luke 2:41-51 is the story of Jesus as a young boy visiting the temple in Jerusalem with his parents. They had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, and when it was over, Mary and Joseph started their journey back home, assuming Jesus was with them. However, they realized He was missing and returned to Jerusalem to find Him in the temple, discussing and asking questions with the teachers.

Jesus’ response to his parents shows that he was already the kind of person who loved spiritual things. They didn’t find him at a place where kids might gather to play games. They found him in the temple, talking about spiritual things. That would not have been me when I was 12. I’m guess that it was not you either. It was Jesus. He seemed to be amazed that they had trouble finding him. In verse 49 he asked them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” In other words, “Didn’t you know you would find me at the place of worship.”

Verse 52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” We don’t know how old he was when he first had his growth spurt in spiritual wisdom, but it had certainly already started by the time he was 12. 

Before we leave this text let’s notice two things.

#1. Notice the importance of spiritual teaching. 

The passage begins with Mary and Joseph going to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. We teach our children about sports, how to make their bed, the importance of study, etc. Jospeh and Mary taught their son about the importance of going to the temple. We don’t have the words that used, but we do have the example they set for their child. When they took him to worship, they had to walk 70 miles. At best they rode on a donkey. 

 #2. Notice Mary’s Musing

Verse 51 is amazing. In verse 51, we are given a glimpse into Mary’s heart. It reads, “But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. The great song ask, “Mary did you know?’ I don’t know what she knew when, but she was thinking about it. This ought to encourage us to reflect on the divine mysteries in our own lives and how God is at work.

So we close with this question, If you were lost, where would people look for you? Would it be in the place of worship.

Lonnie Davis

Event 10: Herod’s War with Baby Jesus
The Face of Evil

Matthew 2:16-18 recounts King Herod’s brutal order to kill all the male children in Bethlehem who were two years old and under. This was his attempt to eliminate the newborn King of the Jews, Jesus.

The Bible text, Matthew 2:16–18:
“16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'”

Reading this we understand that Herod is the face of evil
One might read this story and say no one could be so evil as to order the murder of all baby boys two years and younger. Such a belief merely shows that such a person does not know Herod. Here are some other things we know about him. He ordered the execution of three of his own sons whom he viewed as rivals to his rule. He executed his wife Miriamne, the mother of the three sons. He also murdered his mother-in-law, Alexandra. Herod is the face of evil.

His story serves to remind me of two truths.

1. No one can stop God’s plan.
   Herod’s plan was based on ignorance. He was trying to stop Christ from being King of Israel and taking his rule away from him. That was never God’s plan. Jesus is the King of Kings. He rules a spiritual kingdom. Herod’s terrible murders could not stop it.
2. There is always a glimmer of hope.
   Those precious children will rise again. We will walk the streets of gold someday with them and meet these children. Herod robbed them of the moment, but not of eternity.

This passage encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of inexplicable suffering. The innocent lives lost were not and are not forgotten by God. Jesus died so that they might live again.

As we ponder this story, may we find comfort in the knowledge that God’s love and justice will ultimately prevail, bringing light into the darkness of our world.
Lonnie Davis

Joseph & Mary’s flight to Egypt with Jesus

Matthew 2:13-15

Our text reads:

[13] When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” 

[14] So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, [15] where he stayed until the death of Herod.

OBSERVATIONS

Here are three observations:

1. Matthew 2:13 – God Watches Over His Own.

“When [the Magi] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”

When I read this verse, I understand that God’s people are never away from the protection of God. Trouble was on the horizon, but Joseph did not even know about it. Joseph slept, but God was awake and sent his angel to speak to him in a dream and warn him to run. Psalms 121:3-4 promises, “He who watches over you will not slumber indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” This is God’s protective attitude over his children.

2. Matthew 2:14 – Obey God Immediately.

After the angel told Joseph what to do, the very next verse says, “So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.”

There was no, we will go tomorrow or we will go next weekend. He got up that night and did what God said. Here is the great truth for all of us. When you know what God wants you to do, do it immediately.

3. Matthew 2:14 – Loved One Struggle Together.

Notice that Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus, but Joseph, Mary and Jesus had to take flight in the night. When one hurts, then the whole family hurts. It is only arrogance and ignorance that causes a person to say, “It is my life and I can do as I please.” No! When a child hurts the family hurts. When a father is lazy the whole family suffers. When a mother is irresponsible, she troubles everyone in the family and all who love her.

When one family member hurts, we all hurt.

Lonnie Davis

Summary – Matthew 2:1-12

The wise men from the east locate Jesus in Bethlehem and offer gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They are warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they depart by another route.

There are two things we see in this story:

First: What we think we know that we don’t know.

When I was a child, I never understood why the wisemen had to go to Herod to ask where Jesus is. I had seen the Christmas cards and could see that the star was shining down on the spot where Jesus was. At least, that is why I believed.

Other things believed but not in the Bible.

1. There were three Magi.
2. That the Magi were kings.
3. That the Magi found Jesus in the manger.
4. That the Magi were there while the shepherds were still there.

Here is the truth.

We don’t know how many Magi came. We often refer to the Magi as the wise men. They were probably astrologers, scholars who studied the stars and sacred prophecies. 

What does the Bible say about their journey?

The Bible describes them as “from the East.” 

It is probable that they came from either Persia (Modern-day Iran) or Arabia. 

If they came from Persia then their journey would be 1,000 to 1,200 miles. 

If they came from Arabia it would be 700-1,000 miles. 

Either way, traveling on foot, (or even camels), would have taken several weeks. By the time they arrived, Jesus was probably a toddler and not a new born baby in a manger. 

Remember that Herod decreed that all boys under two were to be killed. At that time, Jesus would have been under two years of age. Other than that, we don’t know.

What we do know about the three gifts.

It is not correct to say there were three gifts. There were three types of gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

In fact, one can easily imagine that there were several objects made of gold that were offered to Jesus. However, all gifts were of one of these three types – gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Each type held a special significance.

1. Gold: was a symbol of kingship

Because of the high cost of gold,  it is often associated with royalty and wealth. With this gift they were acknowledging his status as a king. 

2. Frankincense: was a symbol of divinity.

Frankincense was obtained from the resin of a special tree, which grows in the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Frankincense was used in religious rituals and temple sacrifices. Its inclusion as a gift to Jesus is a symbol of his divinity and his role as a priest. 

3. Myrrh: Was a Symbol of Suffering and Mortality

   Myrrh was obtained from the resin of a tree that was native to parts of Africa and the Middle East. It was used in ancient times for embalming and as an anointing oil. Its inclusion is prophetic of Jesus’ eventual suffering and death.

Nothing about the Magi coming to see Jesus, from the star, to the journey, to the gifts was by chance. 

God hand was in it. God’s hand is also in your life.

Lonnie Davis

Event 7: Jesus is Presented at the Temple

Our story today took place 40 days after Jesus was born. It was a part of the Law that each Hebrew baby boy had to be presented at the temple. Luke 2:22-38 tells us the story of the presentation of baby Jesus at the temple.

Let’s begin by summarizing them.

SUMMARY

When the time came for Mary and Joseph to complete the purification rites after Jesus’ birth, they brought him to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. There they encountered Simeon and Anna, two devout older people who had been waiting to see the Messiah. Simeon praised God, prophesying that Jesus would be a light to the Gentiles. Anna gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to others who were awaiting Jerusalem’s redemption.

Our special observation for today revolves around the 84-year-old Anna. I call it:

Anna’s Life: Plan B.

Anna was once a young bride, married at a tender age. Her dreams were simple – to build a home and family with her beloved husband. But life had other plans. After just seven short years, Anna was made a widow, and her hopeful dreams suddenly shattered.  

Certainly, Anna struggled to imagine a new future. In those times, opportunities for women were scarce. But Anna found her calling in the temple, drawing daily comfort and purpose from her faith. As the decades passed, she became a fixture among the holy walls, revered for her devotion. 

On a fateful morning, more than 50 years later, Anna felt a long-awaited quickening in her spirit. A young couple, Mary and Joseph, had come to present their newborn son. One glimpse and Anna knew: this was the redemption her soul had thirsted for all these years. Overflowing with joy, she gave thanks to God and told all around that the Messiah had come at last. 

Anna never fulfilled her girlish dreams of family. But God had a greater plan, writing Anna into the sacred story of Jesus. Her long-nurtured hope was rewarded in ways she never could have dreamed of in her little village long ago. However life may redirect us, faith and purpose can blossom still.

We sometimes ask children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” What we’re really asking is, “What’s your first big plan for your life-your Plan A?” But, as many of us know, things don’t always go as planned. We might start with a ‘Plan A’, but often we end up following Plan B, Plan C, or Plan D.

The key to being happy in life is knowing when it’s time to switch to your next plan. This means being flexible and ready to change your plan when you need to.

Lonnie Davis

Tell me the story of Jesus

Here is a summary of what happened in Luke 2:8-20.

SUMMARY

Shepherds in Bethlehem’s fields are visited by an angel announcing Jesus’ birth as the Savior. Joined by a heavenly host praising God, the shepherds hurry to find Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a manger. Amazed, they spread the news, glorifying God for all they witnessed.

OBSERVATIONS

From this text, many things are evident. Here are four of my favorite observations.

1. How to turn fear into joy

The shepherds’ initial response was fear. In fact, the Bible uses a stronger verb. According to verse 9, they were “terrified.” However, by the time we get to verse 20, their fear turns into glory and praise. 

There were four steps that changed their fear into joy.

1. Listen to someone who knows—the angel from God

2. Surround yourself with the right people.

3. Look upon God’s work and son.

4. Trust the evidence.

2. Jesus’ Humble Beginnings

The Messiah’s birth is in a manger, an unconventional and humble setting. 

Not just an animal’s manger, but shepherds were called. The lowest of the lows. God did not call the kings and noblemen to go see and tell others, but the most unappreciated sheepherders. I know a man who owns a giant ranch in Africa. He hires guards for $100 a month. He hires “goat herders” for $30 a month. That is what they are called: goat herders. No one dreams of being a goatherder. It is essentially the goat herders that God sent His angel to tell about Jesus being born. He chose the lowest rungs of society to tell about the greatest event that had ever happened. Yes, it was humble beginnings for a great God.

3. The key to Personal Evangelism – learn from unlikely places

Luke 2:16-18 

[16] So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. [17] When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, [18] and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 

When you see Jesus for yourself, you will tell others. Others will be influenced for good.

4. Prompt Response

The shepherds’ immediate action to visit the baby Jesus highlights the importance of responding swiftly to God’s revelations.

We all need to learn the lesson that the best time to do what God wants is now. We are not guaranteed any other time.

Lonnie Davis

Event 5: The birth of Jesus – Matthew 1:25a, Luke 2:1-7
Because this text is short and beloved, rather than summarizing the text, let’s read Luke 2:1–7.

[1] Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. [2] This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. [3] And everyone went to his own town to register.
[4] So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. [5] He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child.
[6] While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. [7] And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

From this well-known story, we can see many details, but for this lesson, I call your attention to four.

1. In the birth of Jesus, God used a political decree to orchestrate events to fulfill prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. (See Micah 5:2).
   Without a decree by Caesar, Joseph likely would not have subjected pregnant Mary to the nearly 100-mile trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Mary may or may not have ridden on a donkey, the Bible does not say, but the common mode of transportation for such a trip was walking.
2. Mary made the difficult journey to Bethlehem while heavily pregnant. We are not told how long after Mary arrived that Jesus was born. It may have been a few weeks. Certainly it would not have been a frantic race to find a place for birth just as they got to town.
3. Despite His royal lineage, Jesus’ birth circumstances were extremely humble; he was born in a stable with a feeding trough as a crib.

Due to our culture being so different from those in the ancient Middle East, the idea of a stable is often misunderstood. If you have seen a “nativity scene,” Jesus is always depicted as being born in an animal shelter. The truth was likely different.

In ancient Middle Eastern homes, especially those in smaller towns like Bethlehem, it was common for families to have a space within their house where important animals were kept, particularly during cold weather. It is plausible that the “stable” where Jesus was born could have been a part of the house where Joseph’s family lived. It might have been a lower level or a back room of the house, but maybe not a separate building as often depicted.

4. The Creator of the universe entered the world as a helpless infant, demonstrating His humility. All we can say is wow. If it were my son, I would have made him born as a prince and given him special privileges. I would have been wrong. Our Father knew best and knew that if Jesus were to be tested in all points like we are, he needed to experience life even as we do.

Lonnie Davis

Event 4 – Joseph’s Dream and Obedience Matthew 1:18-25

After Mary spent three months with her cousin, Elizabeth, she returned home. There is one more story in the Bible that we will not cover because it is about the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:57–80). After Mary returned home to Nazareth, the next story is about Joseph’s response to this shocking circumstance. Here is a summary of today’s text.

SUMMARY:
Mary, betrothed to Joseph, is found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, a righteous man, intends to secretly break off their engagement but has a dream visit from an angel. The angel explains that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit and will save people from their sins. Joseph obeys and takes Mary as his wife, naming the child Jesus.

Three Insights

1. Joseph’s Righteousness: (Matthew 1:18-19)
   When Mary showed up pregnant, Joseph had two choices. (1) Divorce her privately or (2) charge her publicly.
   For Joseph to divorce Mary privately demonstrates his compassion and justice while shielding her from shame in public. The whole village knew she was betrothed to Joseph, so if he hadn’t accused her of being unfaithful, many would have concluded the child was his and thought Joseph had abandoned his future bride.
   If he charges her publicly, he appears righteous, but Mary is made to look like an immoral woman.
   With the choice he finally makes, Joseph is more concerned about Mary than he is about his own reputation.
2. Role of Faith and Obedience: (Matthew 1:24) Joseph’s acceptance of the angel’s message and his decision to marry Mary anyway, despite societal norms, highlights the importance of faith and obedience to God’s guidance. Joseph didn’t just believe Mary and the angel. He acted on that belief. He did the right thing. We can measure a person’s faith by what they do and not by what they say.
3. The Humble Beginnings of Jesus: Jesus was born to a common workman and a teenage girl. They are not rich or famous, yet God picked them. Certainly, this ought to remind us that God cares more about character than he does about wealth.

Lonnie Davis

In yesterday’s devotional, Mary made her choice. Yes, Lord, I will have the baby and name him Jesus. Today describes what Mary did next. What would you do when facing such a circumstance? Would her family believe her when she tells them why she is expecting? Every day they would see her get bigger and wonder who the man is. And where he is?
Our text today tells us about it. You should read the verses to get the full story, but for now, here is a summary.

SUMMARY: Luke 1:39–56
Our verses today describe Mary’s visit to her relative Elizabeth, who is also pregnant. Upon Mary’s arrival, Elizabeth’s baby leaped in her womb. Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizing Mary as the mother of the Lord. Mary then expresses her joy and faith in God through a hymn of praise, praising God for His blessings and His mercy towards those who fear Him.
From this story there are three insights that you do not want to miss.
Three Insights

1. Honor to whom honor is due.
   Elizabeth saluted Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” There was not a trace of jealousy in her heart, only joy and delight that the unborn baby would be her Lord.
2. Why Mary Left Home for a While.
   We are not told why Mary went to visit Elizabeth at this time. It may have been to avoid the scandal that would inevitably arise in Nazareth when her condition became known. If this is so, then the welcome given by Elizabeth and the kindness shown would have been doubly sweet.
3. Going Back Home
   After staying with Elizabeth for about three months, Mary returned to her own home in Nazareth. She was not yet married. No doubt, she became the object of suspicion and slander in the neighborhood as she got back home. Aunts, cousins, neighbors, and friends would not be as accepting as was Elizabeth. Mary went home to face all this. Mary, the teenage girl, did all this for the sake of the story of Jesus.
   Don’t ever wonder why God chose Mary. When you know her story, you know why.
   Lonnie Davis

In a tiny village called Nazareth, a young girl, maybe 13–15 years old, was busily going about her life. Like other young girls her age, she would start her day at sunrise, do household chores, learn from her mother, and dream about her own home someday. One day, like a bolt of lightning on a clear day, her life changed. Her name was Mary.
The angel Gabriel told her about the impending birth of Jesus, the Christ. Luke tells us about that event.

In case you don’t get to read that story today, let me summarize Luke 1:26-38 for you.

SUMMARY: Luke 1:26-38
In these verses, the angel Gabriel visits Mary, announcing that she will conceive a baby. She will call him Jesus. He will be the Son of God, through the Holy Spirit. Mary is puzzled as to how this could happen; after all, she is a virgin. Despite her initial surprise and uncertainty, Mary accepts this divine calling with humility.

FOCUS VERSE: Luke 1:38

For this devotional thought, we will focus on verse 38.
After the angel tells Mary that God has chosen her to have the Christ child. Her response was:

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it happen to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.

From this great story, there are three pictures you must see:

1. A Picture of a True Submission.
   Mary’s response exemplifies complete submission to God’s will, despite the potential personal challenges and social stigma she might face with an out-of-marriage pregnancy. This is a lot to put on a young teenager, but she is ready for whatever God wills. She has a submissive heart.
2. A Picture of Real Faith
   Her acceptance shows a profound faith, trusting in God’s plan even though she does not fully understand the implications.
   Today, one of our favorite words is why. We want to know why we should do anything we are told to do. Mary knew nothing about what was about to happen, yet she didn’t say “why.” She says, “Yes.”
3. A Picture of Young Humility.
   Mary refers to herself as the servant or handmaid of the Lord. She was on a path to do something that would be greater than any woman or man who had ever lived, yet to her, she was just a servant. People often see a young person and say, he or she is mature “for their age.” Mary was humble, mature, and a great servant for any age.

Lonnie Davis

P.S.
Tomorrow, Mary goes to live with her cousin, Elizabeth.
Event 2: Mary visits cousin Elizabeth – Luke 1:39-56