Acts of the Holy Spirit

Growth Requires Actions: Prepare Yourselves

Luke 2:40-52 NKJV
40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.41 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 according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him {Where?} in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished {In the temple} at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they {Mary and Joseph} saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

One of the most distinctive emphases in Luke’s Gospel is on the Holy Spirit. Luke references the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus more than any of the other Gospels.

One cannot read Luke without noticing how Jesus was:
Filled with the Holy Spirit,
Led by the Spirit,
Spoke by the Spirit, and
Worked miracles by the Spirit.

The Spirit was required for Jesus to fulfill the work and ministry He was sent to perform.

Without the Spirit, the work could not be accomplished.

The Spirit hovered… (drone)?
Waiting for the Word of action.
We need the Spirit to move in the Word.

In what way does the Spirit come? Let us look at the Boy Jesus.

How the Child became strong:
The Child grew and became strong in wisdom; the grace of God was upon Him. His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
Wisdom is the principal thing… If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask God…
Wisdom is sought through prayer to God, the ultimate source of wisdom.
Proverbs 2:3-7 NKJV
3Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
Study of God’s word: Responsible parenting took Him every year to the Passover feast, where they told the stories of God’s law and His deliverance.
Humility: When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NKJV).
Reverence: (the fear of God) Importantly, wisdom is closely tied to one’s relationship with God, requiring a fear of the Lord, which involves honoring, esteeming, and following Him wholeheartedly.
Responsible Parenting: The Feast of the Passover
The Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread are closely connected Jewish observances with specific customs and regulations. During the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, which immediately follows Passover, Orthodox Jews are prohibited from eating or possessing any leavened products. While eating unleavened bread is mandatory on Passover, it becomes optional but exclusive during the following week. The feast includes special food preparations centered around unleavened bread. Historically, the absence of yeast symbolized freedom from sin for those under the protection of shed blood. The festival was established as a lasting ordinance to commemorate Israel’s redemption from Egypt, with instructions to teach its significance to future generations (retelling the Exodus story).
12 years of Passover Feast: Jesus is beginning to come of age knowing what His purpose and assignment are: He lingers after the Feast.
Luke 2:43-48 NKJV
43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him {Where?} in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished {In the temple} at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they {Mary and Joseph} saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

The Teachers of the Law were amazed (existanto, “beside themselves in amazement”) at His understanding and His answers.

When Mary and Joseph saw Him, they were astonished (exeplagēsam, “struck out of their senses,” perhaps with joy and pride).

In response to Mary’s question about why He had treated them in this manner, Jesus drew a sharp distinction between them and God, His true Father (2:49). His statement confirmed that He knew His mission and that His parents also should have known about His mission. However, His parents did not understand this.

Luke 2:49-52 NKJV
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.