From twelve years old to approximately thirty, the Bible provides us with no information concerning Jesus’ life. We can only speculate what his life may have been like. Considering that the New Testament makes no further mention of Joseph, most scholars speculate that Joseph died sometime between Jesus’ early teenage years and the beginning of his ministry. Being the oldest son, the responsibility to provide for his family would have fallen primarily on his shoulder, working as a carpenter like his adoptive father Joseph. Jesus would have experienced being a first century tradesman, dealing with many of the same work hassles and frustrations we face – complaining customers, slow-paying and no-paying clients, physical fatigue and perhaps lazy co-workers. Whatever the situation, he never sinned – not even an unkind thought. Jesus did not live a monk-like existence until his ministry. The Scriptures tell us he was tempted in every way, yet was without sin.
It’s fascinating to ponder other unknown aspects Jesus’ life. What did Jesus look like? Did the fact that Jesus never sinned create jealousy amongst his siblings? Who were his best friends? How, when and where did Jesus study the Scriptures? As a carpenter, what did Jesus build and how comparatively skilled was he? When did he fully grasp his true identity and earthly mission? Precisely, how did Jesus know when or how to begin his ministry?
Although we aren’t informed exactly when (in terms of age) or how Jesus transitioned from normal life to Messianic ministry, we know it began with his baptism – the grand inauguration, if you will. This event was of such importance, God ensured it was recorded in all three synoptic Gospel accounts. However, the precise reasons why Jesus was baptized have long been discussed and debated amongst Bible scholars. From the mouth of our Savior, we know it had something to do with “fulfilling all righteousness.” Jesus’ words were in response to John the Baptist’s reluctance to baptize him, saying conversely that he should be baptized by Christ. There are undoubtedly a few important distinctions between the Son’s baptism and both John the Baptist’s or believers’ baptism. First, John’s baptism was to denote repentance from sin, and we know this was not the case concerning Jesus. Believer’s baptism signifies identity with Christ and the new life we’ve received in him. For obvious reasons this baptismal significance cannot fit the basis for Jesus being baptized, but does initiate a future ordinance for his followers.
Therefore, it’s most likely that Christ’s baptism served at least two purposes. Foremost, the Father supernaturally identified his Son with open heavens and an approving voice from heaven, and the Spirit descended on Jesus in a bodily form like a dove. For those God gave the spiritual ears and eyes to see, this was an unequivocal revelation that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah. Second, Jesus fulfilled all of the righteous requirements of the law on our behalf in order to die in our place as the perfect sacrificial Lamb. He tells us in Matthew 5:17 that he came not to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. John’s baptism was unquestionably from God, preparing the way for the Messiah. It then seems that Jesus submitting to John’s baptism, although unnecessary in the sense that he had no sin from which to repent, satisfied a righteous requirement that God deemed important to fulfill.
From biblical accounts it appears that perhaps immediately after his baptism, Jesus ventured into the desert for a forty day fast. After facing and resisting temptation from Satan, Jesus then begins teaching, preaching, proclaiming, ministering and displaying miraculous signs of his Messianic identity. Jesus’ words drew large crowds, including curiosity from the high of society and lowliest of sinners. His wisdom astounded. His arms comforted. His hands healed. His words rebuked, revealed, encouraged, provided hope, and gave life – both spiritually and physically. He turned water into wine and fed over five thousand people with a lunch packed for a boy. He commanded the wind and waves. He cursed a fig tree that did not bear fruit, causing it to wither. His spoken words knocked men to the ground. We’ll return to Jesus’ words and works, but before doing so, we’ll investigate their source. Like it once did me, it may surprise you!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Finishing Well and Leaving Spiritual Legacies
Briefly deviating from the series on our Savior, the recent homecoming of a faithful saint leads me to write this posting. John Crawford passed away Monday, February the 8th. John was in his early 90s. For the large majority of John’s life, he was on staff with The Navigators – a Christian parachurch organization (always very supportive of the local church, I might add) that focuses most notably on one-on-one discipleship, scripture memory and Bible study. John was discipled by the legendary Dawson Trotman, founder of The Navigators and about whom Billy Graham was quoted saying, “I think Daws has personally touched more lives than anybody I have ever known." John Crawford’s fruit did not fall far, if distanced at all, from his mentor’s tree.
John and his wife Helen had recently been living together in a nursing home in Oklahoma City, no longer able to care for each other. Helen has Alzheimer’s disease, and John’s physical health was waning. Despite his ailing health, John was reportedly continuing to faithfully meet with men that came to see him in the nursing home - still encouraging them in the Lord and in the study and memorization of his Word. He even mentioned to visitors that the nursing home had been a blessing from the Lord to him and Helen. What a remarkable testimony! May God also grant us the grace in Christ to finish the race so well!
Over the past 15 or so years, I have heard John preach numerous times at The Key Men’s Conference. But, not having the privilege of being discipled by John or having intimate personal interaction with him, I can’t claim much of a direct spiritual impact by him on my life. However, John’s indirect impact on my life is immeasurable! Allow me to explain. During John’s many years with the Navigators he likely discipled hundreds of men by sharing his life with them, providing Biblical counsel, leading small study groups, and holding men accountable to Scripture memory and godly living. One of these hundreds of men was my dad.
I’m a little fuzzy on how long ago my dad and John began meeting regularly, but my dad was probably around my age (I’m turning 33 in less than a week). Best I can tell, far more than any other Paul-like mentor in my dad’s life, God used John to deposit the most impactful and lasting seeds of faith and Biblical faithfulness. My dad would be the first to tell you that his life hasn’t always been the easiest, and a fair portion of that stems from mistakes he’s made. Nonetheless, my dad has lived his adult life filled with a real and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the years God has sustained my dad through various heartaches, heartbreaks, injuries and illnesses – the deliverance largely attributed to the Holy Spirit’s ministry to him through the Word of God.
I thank God that through His wonderful work in John Crawford’s life, my dad’s life was eternally impacted – and therefore mine. Some of my fondest and earliest childhood memories with my dad include singing songs to the Lord and praying with us before bedtime, watching him perform puppet shows for children’s church, going to Royal Ambassdors’ (everyone that’s not Southern Baptist has no clue what this is – think Baptist Boy Scouts) Dad and Lad camp every summer 1st through 3rd grade, going with him to the retirement party for Ms. Goddard – the sweet, older cafeteria lady at Camp Hudgens that my dad especially befriended, spending 4th through 6th grade in the Royal Ambassadors class my dad taught at church, seeing my dad love the down-and-out like Christ would, hearing about God’s faithfulness in his life, and observing him consistently spend time with the Lord each morning before he went to work. The list could continue several more pages, but I think you get my point. God so graciously brings other believers into our lives that act as sanctifying agents, without which we would otherwise not become the person he has formed us to be.
The way in which God brings mentors into our lives highlights an important Biblical truth. Some Christians wrongly view God’s role in the universe and in our lives. Instead of knowing God Almighty as the Great Artisan with the world as his canvas, they see him as a cosmic janitor that scurries around, merely cleaning up peoples’ messes. Instead of the Divine Composer and Conductor writing and directing for the world’s symphony, they’ve relegated God to a heavenly sound booth, editing our crummy songs in order to rectify their poor composition and errant notes. Christians, let us not hold so low a view of God, “for from him and through him and to him are all things” (Rom 11:35). After God confronts Job with extensive examples of his wisdom, power and might, Job rightly asserts, "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted" (Job 42:2). Ephesians 1:11 says that God works all things according to the counsel of his will.
It’s certainly not luck, good fortune or opportune timing that caused John Crawford’s path to cross with the men he discipled. Neither was it ultimately diligent efforts, discipline or initiative. Rather, it’s always God’s sovereign grace upon his people’s lives through vessels of reconciliation. To God alone be all the glory, in all things! In the same breath, Romans 12 tells us to outdo one another in showing honor to each other. So dad, I honor you for the many ways you have shown me the Father. And John Crawford, I honor you for the impact you had on my dad’s life and contributing directly, and mostly indirectly, to the building of my faith. I’m certain that I speak for all the saints that were blessed to know you during your time on earth: We rejoice with you in your present untarnished, uninterrupted, forever-increasing, joy immersed fellowship with our Savior Jesus. We look forward to experiencing the same and seeing you again in Glory. Come, Lord Jesus!
John and his wife Helen had recently been living together in a nursing home in Oklahoma City, no longer able to care for each other. Helen has Alzheimer’s disease, and John’s physical health was waning. Despite his ailing health, John was reportedly continuing to faithfully meet with men that came to see him in the nursing home - still encouraging them in the Lord and in the study and memorization of his Word. He even mentioned to visitors that the nursing home had been a blessing from the Lord to him and Helen. What a remarkable testimony! May God also grant us the grace in Christ to finish the race so well!
Over the past 15 or so years, I have heard John preach numerous times at The Key Men’s Conference. But, not having the privilege of being discipled by John or having intimate personal interaction with him, I can’t claim much of a direct spiritual impact by him on my life. However, John’s indirect impact on my life is immeasurable! Allow me to explain. During John’s many years with the Navigators he likely discipled hundreds of men by sharing his life with them, providing Biblical counsel, leading small study groups, and holding men accountable to Scripture memory and godly living. One of these hundreds of men was my dad.
I’m a little fuzzy on how long ago my dad and John began meeting regularly, but my dad was probably around my age (I’m turning 33 in less than a week). Best I can tell, far more than any other Paul-like mentor in my dad’s life, God used John to deposit the most impactful and lasting seeds of faith and Biblical faithfulness. My dad would be the first to tell you that his life hasn’t always been the easiest, and a fair portion of that stems from mistakes he’s made. Nonetheless, my dad has lived his adult life filled with a real and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Over the years God has sustained my dad through various heartaches, heartbreaks, injuries and illnesses – the deliverance largely attributed to the Holy Spirit’s ministry to him through the Word of God.
I thank God that through His wonderful work in John Crawford’s life, my dad’s life was eternally impacted – and therefore mine. Some of my fondest and earliest childhood memories with my dad include singing songs to the Lord and praying with us before bedtime, watching him perform puppet shows for children’s church, going to Royal Ambassdors’ (everyone that’s not Southern Baptist has no clue what this is – think Baptist Boy Scouts) Dad and Lad camp every summer 1st through 3rd grade, going with him to the retirement party for Ms. Goddard – the sweet, older cafeteria lady at Camp Hudgens that my dad especially befriended, spending 4th through 6th grade in the Royal Ambassadors class my dad taught at church, seeing my dad love the down-and-out like Christ would, hearing about God’s faithfulness in his life, and observing him consistently spend time with the Lord each morning before he went to work. The list could continue several more pages, but I think you get my point. God so graciously brings other believers into our lives that act as sanctifying agents, without which we would otherwise not become the person he has formed us to be.
The way in which God brings mentors into our lives highlights an important Biblical truth. Some Christians wrongly view God’s role in the universe and in our lives. Instead of knowing God Almighty as the Great Artisan with the world as his canvas, they see him as a cosmic janitor that scurries around, merely cleaning up peoples’ messes. Instead of the Divine Composer and Conductor writing and directing for the world’s symphony, they’ve relegated God to a heavenly sound booth, editing our crummy songs in order to rectify their poor composition and errant notes. Christians, let us not hold so low a view of God, “for from him and through him and to him are all things” (Rom 11:35). After God confronts Job with extensive examples of his wisdom, power and might, Job rightly asserts, "I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted" (Job 42:2). Ephesians 1:11 says that God works all things according to the counsel of his will.
It’s certainly not luck, good fortune or opportune timing that caused John Crawford’s path to cross with the men he discipled. Neither was it ultimately diligent efforts, discipline or initiative. Rather, it’s always God’s sovereign grace upon his people’s lives through vessels of reconciliation. To God alone be all the glory, in all things! In the same breath, Romans 12 tells us to outdo one another in showing honor to each other. So dad, I honor you for the many ways you have shown me the Father. And John Crawford, I honor you for the impact you had on my dad’s life and contributing directly, and mostly indirectly, to the building of my faith. I’m certain that I speak for all the saints that were blessed to know you during your time on earth: We rejoice with you in your present untarnished, uninterrupted, forever-increasing, joy immersed fellowship with our Savior Jesus. We look forward to experiencing the same and seeing you again in Glory. Come, Lord Jesus!
Our Glorious Savior: Reflections on His Youth
Not much of Jesus’ childhood, adolescence, or even early adulthood has been revealed to us in scripture. Luke’s gospel denotes that Mary and Joseph performed all of the requirements of the Law of the Lord – this is important because Hebrews says that in Jesus all aspects of the Law were fulfilled. This fact coupled with his perfect, sinless life uniquely qualified Jesus to die in our place and fulfill the righteous requirements we all lack. Matthew’s gospel account shares that Jesus temporarily lived in Egypt to avoid Herod’s massacre of Bethlehem’s male children, later returning to Mary and Joseph’s home town of Nazareth. Concerning his character and standing with both his Father and regular folks, Luke 2:40 and 52 say, “the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him…Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.”
I find it interesting that verses 40 and 52 both present two aspects of young Jesus – wisdom and physical growth. Although John’s gospel is the most prolific in describing Jesus being both fully God and fully man, I believe here we see Luke pointing to this truth. These texts indicate that Jesus received unique favor from God shown through increasing, unsurpassable wisdom. Being fully human, he also grew in physical stature as all lads do. Chapter two of Luke shares a familiar story that provides insight into Jesus’ unique intelligence and spiritual insight.
Every year Jesus’ family traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. When Jesus was twelve years old, a significant deviation to the usual return trip to Nazareth undoubtedly shook his parents. Having already traveled an entire day’s journey, Mary and Joseph realize that Jesus isn’t with them! Imagine what must have been going through their minds and hearts, “God help us - we’ve managed to lose track of the Messiah!” After a day of traveling back to Jerusalem and apparently two more days searching, they find Jesus in the temple. He was sitting amongst the teachers, listening and asking questions. In addition to humbly learning, the Bible records that all who heard Jesus were amazed at his understanding and answers.
Have you ever reflected on these verses, wondering what Jesus was asking and sharing? Beyond factual knowledge of the Old Testament, he obviously displayed astounding understanding and ability to answer their questions of him. Did Jesus present God’s redemptive plan throughout Scripture? Was Jesus citing prophetic passages that pointed to the Messiah? As Jesus frequently did during his ministry, was he exposing mistaken notions in their understanding of Scripture? Perhaps all of the above – after all, he was with them several days! I don’t know about you, but I sure would like to have seen the look on people’s faces as a twelve year baffled the leading Jewish teachers of the Law!
Luke records that Mary and Joseph were not exactly thrilled that Jesus had been engaging in theological dialogue for three days while they frantically searched for him. We know it was a respectful and innocent response to their chastisement of his decision, but Jesus seems very surprised at their concern and frustration, saying, (liberally paraphrased) “why were you looking all over town for me, didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house.” Interestingly, Mary and Joseph did not understand what Jesus meant by his response. To me, this is beyond baffling! Gabriel was crystal clear when he described to Mary whose child she was bearing – in fact, he used the phrases “Son of the Most High” and “Son of God.” I supposed the second reference to Jesus’ identity was for confirmation in case she was a little woozy from the initial shock. Joseph was also visited in a dream by an angel to confirm Mary’s miraculous conception from the Holy Spirit, that Jesus would was Immanuel (God with us), and he would save men from their sins!
Although purely speculative, I wonder if Mary and Joseph missing the obvious carries any spiritual connection to the fact that Jesus’ own brothers did not believe in him during his earthly ministry (Jn 7:5)? For reasons only known by God, prior to his death, was Jesus’ family temporarily and/or periodically blinded from understanding who he really was? This speculation, although amusing, does connect us to one fascinating fact – Jesus’ family never witnessed him sin! We can be sure this was indeed the case by following this progressive, logical thought:
1) The New Testament is saturated with the doctrine of Jesus’ sinless life. This truth was, and is, essential for him to truly be God’s substitutionary sacrifice on behalf of mankind. 2) Jesus’ family witnessed his conduct for 30-some years before his earthly ministry began. As we have all experienced, if you’re prone to lie, cheat, lose your temper, speak ill or unkindly, act selfishly, or commit any other degree of sin, your family will observe you doing this! This fact alone doesn’t altogether prove Jesus was sinless. We must ultimately trust the Bible’s testimony. However, it’s nonetheless an amazing that neither Jesus’ mother nor siblings ever accused him of sin! 3) Many, if not most, of Jesus’ family were still living during the writing and distribution of the New Testament amongst the early church. 4) At a minimum, we know from Scripture that Jesus’ mother Mary and half-brothers James and Jude believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. 5) If the New Testament writers erred by identifying and affirming that Jesus was without sin, his family surely would have corrected this error. 6) The Jewish historian Josephus chronicled that James paid the ultimate earthly price for his faith in Christ and vibrant activity in the early church. 7) Faced with imminent death, surely James would have recanted if his professed belief were a sham. Rather, James clung to his faith with intimate first-hand observation of his brother’s life, even to his demise.
God chose not to provide us with ample records of Jesus’ early life, and we should trust in his wisdom, for he alone is wise. Better still, we should thank God for providing us with a few golden nuggets from the Son’s early years that highlight the Father’s glorious redemption plan and grace in Christ!
I find it interesting that verses 40 and 52 both present two aspects of young Jesus – wisdom and physical growth. Although John’s gospel is the most prolific in describing Jesus being both fully God and fully man, I believe here we see Luke pointing to this truth. These texts indicate that Jesus received unique favor from God shown through increasing, unsurpassable wisdom. Being fully human, he also grew in physical stature as all lads do. Chapter two of Luke shares a familiar story that provides insight into Jesus’ unique intelligence and spiritual insight.
Every year Jesus’ family traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. When Jesus was twelve years old, a significant deviation to the usual return trip to Nazareth undoubtedly shook his parents. Having already traveled an entire day’s journey, Mary and Joseph realize that Jesus isn’t with them! Imagine what must have been going through their minds and hearts, “God help us - we’ve managed to lose track of the Messiah!” After a day of traveling back to Jerusalem and apparently two more days searching, they find Jesus in the temple. He was sitting amongst the teachers, listening and asking questions. In addition to humbly learning, the Bible records that all who heard Jesus were amazed at his understanding and answers.
Have you ever reflected on these verses, wondering what Jesus was asking and sharing? Beyond factual knowledge of the Old Testament, he obviously displayed astounding understanding and ability to answer their questions of him. Did Jesus present God’s redemptive plan throughout Scripture? Was Jesus citing prophetic passages that pointed to the Messiah? As Jesus frequently did during his ministry, was he exposing mistaken notions in their understanding of Scripture? Perhaps all of the above – after all, he was with them several days! I don’t know about you, but I sure would like to have seen the look on people’s faces as a twelve year baffled the leading Jewish teachers of the Law!
Luke records that Mary and Joseph were not exactly thrilled that Jesus had been engaging in theological dialogue for three days while they frantically searched for him. We know it was a respectful and innocent response to their chastisement of his decision, but Jesus seems very surprised at their concern and frustration, saying, (liberally paraphrased) “why were you looking all over town for me, didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house.” Interestingly, Mary and Joseph did not understand what Jesus meant by his response. To me, this is beyond baffling! Gabriel was crystal clear when he described to Mary whose child she was bearing – in fact, he used the phrases “Son of the Most High” and “Son of God.” I supposed the second reference to Jesus’ identity was for confirmation in case she was a little woozy from the initial shock. Joseph was also visited in a dream by an angel to confirm Mary’s miraculous conception from the Holy Spirit, that Jesus would was Immanuel (God with us), and he would save men from their sins!
Although purely speculative, I wonder if Mary and Joseph missing the obvious carries any spiritual connection to the fact that Jesus’ own brothers did not believe in him during his earthly ministry (Jn 7:5)? For reasons only known by God, prior to his death, was Jesus’ family temporarily and/or periodically blinded from understanding who he really was? This speculation, although amusing, does connect us to one fascinating fact – Jesus’ family never witnessed him sin! We can be sure this was indeed the case by following this progressive, logical thought:
1) The New Testament is saturated with the doctrine of Jesus’ sinless life. This truth was, and is, essential for him to truly be God’s substitutionary sacrifice on behalf of mankind. 2) Jesus’ family witnessed his conduct for 30-some years before his earthly ministry began. As we have all experienced, if you’re prone to lie, cheat, lose your temper, speak ill or unkindly, act selfishly, or commit any other degree of sin, your family will observe you doing this! This fact alone doesn’t altogether prove Jesus was sinless. We must ultimately trust the Bible’s testimony. However, it’s nonetheless an amazing that neither Jesus’ mother nor siblings ever accused him of sin! 3) Many, if not most, of Jesus’ family were still living during the writing and distribution of the New Testament amongst the early church. 4) At a minimum, we know from Scripture that Jesus’ mother Mary and half-brothers James and Jude believed in Jesus as their Savior and Lord. 5) If the New Testament writers erred by identifying and affirming that Jesus was without sin, his family surely would have corrected this error. 6) The Jewish historian Josephus chronicled that James paid the ultimate earthly price for his faith in Christ and vibrant activity in the early church. 7) Faced with imminent death, surely James would have recanted if his professed belief were a sham. Rather, James clung to his faith with intimate first-hand observation of his brother’s life, even to his demise.
God chose not to provide us with ample records of Jesus’ early life, and we should trust in his wisdom, for he alone is wise. Better still, we should thank God for providing us with a few golden nuggets from the Son’s early years that highlight the Father’s glorious redemption plan and grace in Christ!
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