Luke 2:41-3:2 "Now HIS parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when HE was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 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. But they, supposing HIM to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought HIM among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found HIM not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking HIM. 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. And all that heard HIM were astonished at HIS understanding and answers.
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. And HE said unto them, How is it that ye sought ME ? wist ye not that I must be about MY FATHER's business ? And they understood not the saying which HE spake unto them. 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. And JESUS increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man. Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesare, Pontus Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the WORD Of GOD came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness."
Those who are great in the world may be of no account in GOD's sight. The living GOD honors those who honor HIM, but HE does not think highly of those who despise HIM: "For them that honor ME I will honor, and they that despise ME shall be lightly esteemed" (1st.Samuel 2:30). Those who are famous in the history books of the world are often absent from GOD's hall of fame. Conversely, many who are unknown to the world are known and loved by GOD. August Van Ryn points out that the first three chapters of Luke mention by name two contrasting series of seven characters. Note the unlikely "stars" of the Nativity: Zacharias, Elisabeth, Mary, Joseph, Simeon. Anna, and John the Baptist. These seven represent the faithful ones among the people of GOD. Even though the world took little notice of them, they were precious to GOD, and HE appeared to them as "EMMANUEL . . . GOD with us" (Matthew 1:23 pictured above).
Tiberias Caesar, Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias, Annas, Caiaphas - these names are listed in Luke 3:1-2. This group typifies the whole world in its might and glory: the Roman Emperor and the empire over which he ruled; the Roman governor and all Judea. Herod and his licentious court; Annas and Caiaphas and with them the apostate nation that would soon crucify its LORD. The world filled its books with the history, exploits, and achievements of these people, but GOD gives them fewer than two verses while the other seven are found in 152 verses. The first seven are the stars of the nativity story because of their relationship to HIS beloved SON. The second seven are all but ignored because whoever does not know and love CHRIST is of no account in GOD's sight. GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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