"The Wonderful Story of Jesus!"  Part III

Not only did an angel appear unto the shepherds to proclaim that the savior had been born, but the glory of the Lord shone all around them (the same glory that was manifested in the Old Testament as a cloud and sometimes as a bright shining light).  Then a multitude of angels appeared praising God.  So the announcement made at Jesus’ birth certainly was Wonderful.

 Now, I want you to notice that Jesus was also Wonderful in His childhood.

 Luke 2:40-43, 45-47

40 And THE CHILD (Jesus) GREW, AND WAXED STRONG IN SPIRIT, FILLED WITH WISDOM:  AND THE GRACE OF GOD WAS UPON HIM.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 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 …

45 ….they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 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 questions.

47 And ALL THAT HEARD HIM WERE ASTONISHED AT THIS UNDERSTANDING AND ANSWERS.

 On the way home from celebrating the Passover Feast in Jerusalem, Jesus’ parents discovered that Jesus was missing.  When they went back to Jerusalem to look for Him, they found Him in the Temple, talking with the Jewish doctors and answering their questions!  Think about that!  At just twelve years old (v. 42) Jesus was full of so much wisdom and understanding that He astonished all those who heard Him.

 That’s just one example, but Luke summed it up in verse 52, saying, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with man.”  Well, no wonder His name should be called “Wonderful!”  It shouldn’t come as a surprise to us that Jesus was also Wonderful in ministry.

 Throughout the Gospels, we read of individuals who were healed or delivered from demons or sickness under Jesus’ ministry.  But when we think of the ministry of Jesus, we have to consider all of it, not just healings and deliverances that resulted.

 Matthew 9:35

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, TEACHING in their synagogues, and PREACHING the gospel of the Kingdom, and HEALING every sickness and every disease among the people.

 Jesus’ ministry consisted of teaching, preaching, and healing.  And the Scripture bears out that Jesus taught with great power and authority.

 As you celebrate Christmas with your family, share the story of Jesus.  It is important that we keep the Wonderful story fresh in our minds and in the minds of our family.  Have a very Blessed Christmas, and may the Goodness of God be with you perpetually.

Your Pastor 

Word for Today: Exceed Epectation

The world is filled with people who are prepared to do no more than the absolute minimum necessary to get by.  Do you want to be happy in your work place? Do you want to experience promotion and financial reward?  If so, you are going to have to consistently do more than is expected of you; get more done than is required; and bring more excellence to your work than the minimum standards demand.  This is what Jesus meant when He said, “If someone compels you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” GO THE EXTRA MILE!  This is a very important key that will bring success in your life in 2011.