Firsts

Read Luke 2:41-52 

Do you remember your first influential teacher? The first time your feet squished through a sandy beach? The powerful emotion of your first crush? Can you name Jesus' first recorded word? 

In this passage Jesus was speaking to his parents, in church, after they had searched feverishly for him and he asked "why?" As a father of three boys, this makes me laugh. 

Is this disrespect we see from Jesus? I don't think so. And His parents' response here is priceless; they "didn't understand.” Not much has changed in 2000 years? 

I remember my own son at five years old walking patiently beside me in a local supermarket. Every time I put an item in the buggy he'd ask, "Why you put dat in dere Daddy?" 

Each time I'd give a different answer: "Because we need food ... Because I'm gonna have to gnaw on your pinky toe for lunch if we don't." 

After the tenth "why" question, it was time for Super Dad to spring into action. Option #1: Ignore him. Seemed to work for the clueless mother whose six-year-old sat by me on my last SEVEN HOUR FLIGHT from Barcelona. Option #2: Teach him why food is important. Hmmm. Option #3: Give him a healthy dose of Benadryl. I chose option #2, even though I still like the Benadryl idea.  

Consider these takeaways from Luke 2. 

Surround yourself with people who sharpen you (v.46). Dr. John Maxwell says the number one factor in your future success is the people you surround yourself with. 

Jesus listened first and spoke second. God gave us two ears and one mouth to listen twice as much as we speak. 

Don't be discouraged when those around you don't "get it" (v.50). God calls us to a lifelong commitment, not comfort. 

Obedience should always follow the "why" questions of life (v.51-52). 

Your responsibility is to say “yes, Lord” and walk by faith. 

From the Student Impact Devotional of Student Leadership University.