The Devotion of Joseph and Mary

07/23/24 • 1 min

What can we learn from Joseph and Mary’s dedication to their faith? Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of Passover, despite living sixty-five miles away in Nazareth. They had a deep commitment to their faith and worship of God. Luke 2:41-42 says, "Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom" (ESV). Their dedication to observing God’s commands set an example for Jesus, who also grew in wisdom and favor with God and man. Their commitment teaches the importance of practicing our faith and setting a godly example for others, especially our children. Strive to be devoted in your walk with God.

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What significance did the magi's gifts have for Jesus?

When the wise men from the east came to visit Jesus, they brought gifts. What significance did the magi's gifts have for Jesus? In Matthew 2:11, the magi present Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were valuable. The items themselves had intrinsic value. But in addition, they just were symbolic. Gold signified Jesus’ kingship, frankincense highlighted His role as our High Priest, and myrrh, used in burial rituals, foreshadowed His death and burial. These treasures acknowledged Jesus’ divine identity and mission to save humanity. The magi’s gifts also remind us about honoring Jesus with our best. We too are obligated to recognize Him as King, Priest, and Savior.

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Jesus' First Recorded Words

Why did Jesus stay behind in the temple when His parents were returning home? When Jesus was twelve, He and His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. After the festival, His parents started their journey home, assuming Jesus was with them. But Jesus stayed behind in the temple. When His parents found Him three days later, He was listening to the teachers and asking questions. When questioned by His mother, Jesus said, "Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”. Jesus was aware of His divine identity and mission. Despite His divine nature, He returned to Nazareth and was obedient to His earthly parents. Jesus’ actions remind us to prioritize our spiritual growth and obedience to God's will.