The Holly chieftain., 1922-10-05

/ FtlMAh1 IOPlC-lne BOY jesus.
JUNIOR TOPIc-The Boyhood of Jesus.
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
| Jesus at Home and at School.
| YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT. TOPIC
/ The Religious Training of the Young.
l. The Birth Of Jesus (vv. Id.
1. Time of wv. 1-3). 1t was at a
time when the Jews were coming un-
der the Roman power. 1t was most
propitious time for the introduction of
the gospel. The whole world was un-
der one rule, making 1t possible for
ministers to go from place to place
easily and without mOlestatiOn.
2. Place OF wv. 4-8). Bethlehem, as the
prophet had foretold 100 years before
| (Micah 5: :2). God moved the emperor
to enforce the decree of taxation In
time to cause Mary to be at Bethlehem.
3. Circumstances of ". ". His sur
roundings were of the most humble
sort. The Almighty Creator conde-
scended to take upon himself human
ity-to be born in manger, becoming
the poorest of the poor that none might
be hindered from coming to Him.
II. The Birth Of Jesus Announced
| wv. S-20).
1. To Whom wv. 8, 81. The shep-
herds who were watching over their
fiocks BY night. The glorious gospel
message was first given to laboring
men.
q BY Whom ". 81. The first gospel
sermon was preached by the angel of
/ A.. Z I,, n.t
making known the gospel to lost men.
These glorious beings no doubt deeply
sympathize with fallen, sn-cursed men.
8. The Nature Of the Message wv.
10-14). 1t was good tidings of great
Joy. 1t was good tidings because the
way of salvation was about to be
opened for all-Jew and Gentle. So
tude of the heavenly host accompanied
1t with song of praise. 1t Is through
Jesus Christ that Gods kindness and
good will are made known to man.
T. The Shepherds Witnessing wv.
1920 They made prompt investisa-
tion of the angels message.
| III. The Child Jesus Growing wv.
1852.
Jesus Christ was divine, but His
deity did not interfere with His devel-
opment as human being. The proc
esses of his physical, mental and spir-
itual growth were the same as those
Of any normal human being.
I. Jesus Tarrying Behind at Jerusa-
lem WV. 4O43). At the age Of twelve
years Jewish child took his place as
worshiper In the temple, for he was
considered "child of the law" Being
conscious of His mission when His
mother and Joseph were returning
from attendance at the Passover, Jesus
tarried behind to enter the temple and
inquire into the meaning of the ordi-
nances Of Gods house.
| 2. Jesus Found in the Temple wv.
44-47). When His mother and Joseph
had gone some distance on their jour
ney they perceived that Jesus was
missing and sought for Him among
their kinsfolk and acquaintances. Not
finding Him there they returned to
Jerusalem, where they found Him in
the temple. a. He was Sitting" ".
46), showing that He wns no passing
visitor or sightseer. He was perfectly
at home in His Fathers house. (2)
BE was hearing" ". 46). He was
hearing the teachers of Gods Word.
This shows that He was eager to learn
Gods will. (3) He asked questions
". 46). His growing mind was inqulsi-
tive. 1t more than received what was
taught; 1t inquired after. (4) He an
swered questions ". 40. His answers
showed great wisdom, such as to as
tonish those who heard Him. Yet we
should not surmise that He was con-
scIously displaying His wisdom. 1t
was not an exhibition of His divine
wisdom, hut the expression Of the
workings Of perfect human mind
suffused by the Holy Spirit.
8. Mary's Complaint (vv. 4s-5O).
She demonstrated with Him for His
behavior. To this He replied In a
dignified. yet tender manner. He made
no apology. showing that He was more
than the son of Mary.
II 4. Jesus Obedience ". 5D. Though
! He was fully conscious OF His divine
being and mission, He lived life Of
flial obedience.
VI 5. Jesus Development ". 52). ~
Mental. He .'increased In wisdom"
t2) Physical. He Increased in stat
J ure" (3) Spiritual. He Increased
In favor with God and man."
Wisdom to Be Desired.
l a.