Skip to main content

"They Found Him in the Temple," Luke 2:40-52

Luke 2:40-52

The video depiction of Christ in the temple as a young man has left me seriously considering the prophetic nature of this particular excerpt. That it was chosen to have the young Jesus quote from the end of Malachi (Malachi 4:5-6) illustrates the importance of temples and the work that is designated to take place there in.

What caught me off guard was the important connection between youth and the work that happens in the temples. Malachi prophesied of it. Jesus illustrated the example to follow in the fulfillment of this prophecy. Today the youth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are the fulfillment of Malachi's prophecy as they enter into the temples to perform baptisms for the dead, extending the most basic covenants of the Church of Christ to their ancestors that had died and gone before.

The other part of this scripture that is remarkable about this account of the Savior's youth is that the scriptures say: "And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them." Consequently, "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (vs. 51-52)

In other words, because of his obedience to his parents, he was blessed and grew spiritually at the same time that he grew physically. Such is the plan and order of God. Furthermore, everything in this video depiction gives evidence of one eternal truth: that the family is forever, consequently it is the most important organizational unit in time and all eternity.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32

Luke 15:11-32 I have reviewed this video and the associated scriptures, and there are two points that stand out very deeply to me this morning: When the prodigal son returned, his father saw him coming home a great way off and ran to meet him in his return home.  There are those who will (more or less) always be faithful to the cause of the Father.  Theirs is the promise of inheritance. That may not be as readily apparent in this life, as is an immediate celebration for one who has returned.  The outward manifestation of temporal blessings are not an indicator of our progress that we've made or of promises that are still pending.

"Let Your Light So Shine," Matthew 5:3-16

Matthew 5:3-16 These verses are ringing out in my ears this morning as a cry for repentance. Alma 60:23 - "...Remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also." Revisiting these brief statements of hope, I paused on "Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." The Savior doesn't offer much explanation on how this would happen or why or anything of the sort. But then I cross referenced footnotes until I arrived at Isaiah 60:20 . I went back and read the entire chapter. Doing so, it becomes clearly evident that those who ever had cause to mourn, will -- in some great future day-- never have cause to mourn again. Understanding this also gives pause to lessen the pains of present challenges. -------- This brings us to consider one of the great oxymorons of  Christ's teachings: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and gl...

"But He that Doeth Truth," John 3:19-21

John 3:19-21 In verse 21, the Savior observes "But he that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that he deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." I am focused on the phrase "He that doeth truth " and there are footnotes on the last two words. Doeth - TG, Good Works 2 Chronicles 15:7 - Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. Alma 9:27-28 - if they have been righteous they shall reap the salvation of their souls, according to the power and deliverance of Jesus Christ; Titus 3:8 - ...that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Truth - TG, Truth Continue this study, on the point of truth. Truth is not what we think it is, reality through human perception, but rather the reality of things as they really are in the presence by God, whose knowledge, understanding, perception, and love are perfect. There is a difference between eternal truth and perceived fact. ...