Luke 2:47

Luke 2:47

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

a. NLT: All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

b. NIV: Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

c. Amplified Bible: And all who heard Him were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His intelligence and understanding and His replies.

d. Young’s Literal Translation: and all those hearing him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

e. Worrell Translation: and all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.

1. “And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.”

a. [1161 * de] [Strong: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. all [3956 * pas] [Strong: including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:--all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]

c. heard [191 * akouo] [Strong: a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.]

d. him [846 * autos] [Strong: [Strong: from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

e. were astonished [1839 * exstemi] [Strong: from 1537 and 2476; to put (stand) out of wits, i.e. astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane:--amaze, be (make) astonished, be beside self (selves), bewitch, wonder.]

f. at [1909 * epi] [Strong: a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:--about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, X have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).]

g. his [846 * autos] [Strong: [Strong: from the particle au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

h. understanding [4907 * sunesis] [Strong: from 4920; a mental putting together, i.e. intelligence or (concretely) the intellect:--knowledge, understanding.]

i. and [2532 * kai] [Strong:  apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

j. answers [612 * apokrisis] [Strong: from 611; a response:--answer.]

1). The key to Jesus’ understanding and wisdom in his life centers around his relationship with his Father and the Holy Spirit. Within those relationships are two disciplines that are vital to their healthy maintenance, prayer and meditation.  

Meditation in the Life of Christ

1. When the second person of the triune Godhead [the LORD, the Word] became man in Christ Jesus he emptied himself of all His abilities as God. He emptied himself of his omniscience, his all-knowing ability, his omnipotence, his being all powerful, and his omnipresence, his ability to be everywhere at once. He also emptied Himself of the glory He had as God. He was still God, but he was also man.

a. Philippians 2:7 “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”

1). made…of no reputation (2758 * keno) to empty, make empty. (Romans 4:14, “make void”; 1 Corinthians 1:17, “make of none effect”; 1 Corinthians 9:15, “make void”; 2 Corinthians 9:3, “be in vain”.)

b. [NIV] “But made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.”

c. Amplified Bible: “But stripped Himself of all privileges and rightful dignity…”

1). Dake: “The true Biblical teaching of the kenosis of Christ is that in taking human form He divested Himself of His Divine attributes…[he] laid aside His God form and voluntarily gave up his glory which he had with the Father before the world was and became limited in knowledge, wisdom, power, glory in every way that man is and yet retained His Deity, His Divine nature.  [D.C.: He was still God but clothed in a human body.]

 

d. As Jesus grew up physically, from infancy on, he increased in natural and spiritual wisdom.

1). Luke 2:40 “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, full with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”

e. From at least at the age of 12 Jesus knew that God was his Father. This is established by looking at what occurred during that particular visit to Jerusalem at the Passover Feast.

1). Luke 2:41-49 “Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

2:43 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.

2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

2:46 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 them questions.

2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

2:48 And when they saw him they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business.”

2). [NIV] “…Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

a). Scripture declares that from age twelve onward up to thirty, Jesus continued to increase in wisdom, clearly establishing that when the LORD God became man in Christ Jesus he emptied himself of his omniscience.

b). Luke 2:51, 52 “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

c). [NIV] “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

d). Institute Of Creation Research Daily Devotional 6/4/14 “…First of all, His working knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures was encyclopedic, acquired in the same way any other student of the Word can acquire it—by diligent and prayerful personal study thereof. He had done this all His life from the time He was a small boy. Remember how He had “asked questions” of the astonished doctors in the temple, and then how He was “subject unto” His parents, and how He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:46; 51-52). In all of this, He is a perfect human example to us as we also seek to learn the Scriptures and to grow in wisdom and in favor with God…”

3). Jesus had more understanding than his teachers because he meditated the word of God, not because he was God manifested in the flesh.

a). Psalm 119:99, 100 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

199:100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

4). Jesus said that His Father taught him. Although this statement was said during his ministry years, some of it applies to the years he was growing up.

a). John 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

f. Jesus lived his whole live as the Second Adam [i.e., before Adam sinned], and the first thirty of those years before he was filled with the Holy Ghost, and during that time Jesus never sinned. How did Jesus accomplish not sinning against his Father? By meditating the word of God!

1). Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.

2). The same is provided for us in the New Covenant

.

a). 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

3). Jesus was wiser than all his enemies, angelic and human.

2. Psalm 119:97, 98 O how Love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.

119:99 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.

a. Because the plan of the redemption of man depended on the success of his life and death, Jesus had to be wiser than all his enemies. Jesus gained the wisdom to be wiser than his enemies by meditating the word of God.

b. The plan of redemption was planned before the earth was created.

1). 1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conservation received by tradition from your fathers;

1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

c. The plan of man’s redemption was a body of wisdom, that God had hidden from all of creation, not even the angels knew about it. Only the three Persons of the Godhead knew about it for they only had planned it out.

d. 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1). The enemies in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 are fallen angelic hosts. They include the devil, and other angels that in some cases rule or influence geographical areas and nations.

a). John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

b). John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.

c). Daniel 10:20, 21 “Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.

10:21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the Scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.”

2). The outsmarting of demonic powers, spirit beings who would prevent the redemption of man depended on Jesus meditating the word of God. We can read through the Gospels and see the times when Jesus foretold of his death, his resurrection, the redemption of man, his coming back in glory, but the devil never connected the dots, if he would have, he would never have crucified Jesus. They were completely outsmarted by the wisdom of God.

3. There are examples in the life of Christ were he outsmarted his human enemies also.

a. Matthew 22:15-46 “Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.

22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.

22:17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Ceasar, or not?

22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

22:19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

22:20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

22:21 They say unto him, Ceasar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Ceasar the things which are Ceasar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.

22:22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left him, and went their way.

22:23 The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him,

22:24 Saying, Master, Moses said, If a man die, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.

22:25 Now there were with us seven brethren: and the first, when he had married a wife, deceased, and, having no issue, left his wife unto his brother:

22:26 Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh.

22:27 And last of all the woman died also.

22:28 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? For they all had her?

22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

22:30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels in heaven.

22:31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

22:33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

22:34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

22:35 Then one of them, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

22:38 This is the first and great commandment.

22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

22:40 On these hang all the law and the prophets.

22:41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

22:42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.

22:43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

22:44 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?

22:45 If David then call him Lord, how is he is son?

22:46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.

1). Other examples are Matthew 7:28, 29 and John 7:45, 46.

Jesus taught meditation!

1. Jesus taught his disciples that in order to receive the revelation of the power in God’s word they had to meditate.

a. Mark 4:21-25 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

4:23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

4:25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

1). The Greek word for ‘heed’ in Mark 4:24 is [blepo * 991] [Bullinger: to look, see, have the power of sight applied to mental vision or consideration, to consider, to take to heart, employed to express a more intent, earnest spiritual contemplation.]

2). The Amplified translation of Mark 4:24 says it all.

a). Mark 4:24 [Amplified Bible] And he said unto them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure of thought and study you give to the truth you hear will be  the measure of virtue and knowledge that comes back to you, and more besides will be given to you who hear.

2. Making our way prosperous in light of the New Covenant

a. John 14:25, 26 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.

14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said.

b. John 16:12-15 I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shew it unto you.

1). Jesus is saying in these two passages that the Holy Ghost would reveal, teach and bring to our remembrance everything in the New Covenant.

c. How? One of the ways is meditating Scripture.  As we are obedient to what Jesus said, that we give much careful thought and study to Scripture, the Holy Ghost will reveal, teach and bring to our remembrance other Scripture.

1). 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

d. We need to meditate Scripture.

1). 2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

a). consider [3539 * noeo] [Zodhiates: to perceive, observe, to perceive with thought coming into consciousness, to understand discern, with the meaning to have in mind, think about, consider.]