Monday's thougths for the sermon
"The Talk of the Temple; Jesus at 12"
In Luke 2:41-52 we have a very rare look at the early years of Jesus' life. It's the story about the time Jesus' parents took him to Jerusalem when he had come of age (Son of the Law). It was Jewish law that an adult male must attend to the temple in Jerusalem three times a year. The particular episode ends when Jesus' parents begin their pilgrimage back home only to realize their son was not with them. The end of the story allows us to see how this young man amazed the teachers, priests, and philosophers. One account suggests that he was impressive because of the answers he gave. Another account suggests that his impressiveness came as a result of the questions he asked.
In the sermon for Sunday I plan to look at the "talk in the temple" and to pursue the kinds of questions Jesus would have asked and the kinds of answers he would have given.
This is something it is possible to do as long as what we come up with is consistent with the values he exhibited his whole life. The sermon will be an exploration of the basic and foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. As a first approach to this I suggest the following:
1. He would have urged the temple authorities to liberate people from the artificial requirements of religion.
2. He would have encouraged them to develop a faith that encourages people to find and live out their fullest potential.
3. He would have wanted the word "God" to mean something to them on a personal level. Jesus' calling God "abba" was a change in his faith tradition. To Jesus God was present to every person as a loving parent is present.
4. I think he would have wanted the religious authorities to encourage people to see how their faith leads people to speak their creeds in such a way that belief is attached to the imperative deeds of goodness and mercy.
This is what I'm thinking.
How do you think Jesus impressed the temple authorities with his questions and answers? I look forward to hearing from you. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net or if you are willing to let the world see your response click the "comments" box.
Thanks for your help.
Charles
