Expecting More From Our Teenagers

Raising the bar of expectations for our teenage children. Lk. 2:41-52

Introduction

What do most teenagers (including Christian teens) do during their adolescent years? Some involved with organizations and/or play

sports; play around (videos, tv, listen to music, internet); some might work a few hours a week at a job.

How many live responsibly on their own by twelve: Ladies: cook, sew, care for young children Men: laboring, protector/provider, etc.

Teens in our modern (self-serving) society are quite immature compared to history and biblical examples.

Introduction

We shall use our Savior – when He was only twelve – as our perfect example for what we can expect from our teenagers. We’ll look at the example of parenting that

played a huge role in the maturation of Jesus. We’ll look at the life of Jesus – because He was

his own person, for responsible for his own decisions by age twelve.

We’ll finish with some specific things parents should be able to expect from their teenagers.

The Parents of Jesus

Went to the Feat of the Passover…every year. Lk. 2:41 They themselves were faithful in keeping the

Lord’s will and trusting God would keep their home and land safe while they went to the temple. Cp. Exo. 34:23-24

They set an example to their son – from the beginning – of being faithful and trusting in the Lord.

John Trumble

Helped Noah Webster Write Dictionary

Read through the Bible…

at age FOUR

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The Parents of Jesus

Trusted Jesus to be on his own: responsibly. Vs. 42-44 By the time Jesus was twelve there was no

question they did not need to see if Jesus was with his family caravan heading back home.

To be able to trust your child means he has been taught and learned to be trusted.

Continued in their parental authority role over Jesus.

By The Time Jesus Was Twelve

Physically/mentally mature. Jesus was able to physically/mentally able to

care for himself for at least 3-5 days when he was twelve. Vs. 44-46

The implications are tremendous: Having money (or working) to eat and have a

place to sleep. Having the wherewithal to travel throughout the

city.

Jewish Tradition

Boys – ages 6-10 went to Bet Sefer (House of the Book)

Memorized Torah (Gen. – Deut.)

Boys Considered “Adult” at age thirteenBar Mitzvah

Boys – ages 10-14Bet Talmud (House of Learning)

Memorized Entire Old Testament!

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By The Time Jesus Was Twelve

Spiritually mature. At the temple: listening, asking questions,

answering questions amazed the teachers. Vs. 46-47

He spoke to his parents with God’s will in mind. V. 49

By The Time Jesus Was Twelve

The spiritual implications are tremendous: He studied/memorized/meditated on the

scriptures. Cp. Josh. 1:8 This would allow him to have discerning

conversations with the teachers of the Law.

By The Time Jesus Was Twelve

Spiritually mature. At the temple: listening, asking questions,

answering questions amazed the teachers. Vs. 46-47

He spoke to his parents with God’s will in mind. V. 49

The spiritual implications are tremendous: He kept increasing in wisdom and stature.

V. 52

By The Time Jesus Was Twelve

Jesus honored His parents. V. 51 The scriptures tells us that Jesus never sinned:

thus, he was not being disrespectful to His parents but explaining the necessity of his life’s work. Heb. 4:15

He continued – since the event at the temple – to be in subjection to them (as God’s word revealed).

Uncommon Maturity

Edward ‘The Black Prince’ of England commanded the British army at age 16

John Quincy Adams: court appointed diplomat toCatherine the Great in Russia at age 14.

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Uncommon Maturity

Stonewall JacksonFinished school/became a school teacher at 16

“A man of words and not of deeds

Is like a garden full of weeds”

Ran for office at age 17 – County Constable collecting debts

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Parents Today Need to Expect More From Their Teenagers Parents should expect that their teenager

will obey immediately. If your child does not then that he has chosen when/if they will obey: it is on his terms, not those over him.

If your child obeys but not kindly (respectfully): then he has not displayed honor to his parent.

Parents Today Need to Expect More From Their Teenagers Parents should expect their teens would

do the following on their own (no longer needed to be reminded): Wake up, do their work (school, home, chores). Show respect to all people: siblings, parents,

others (friends, adults). Know how to be self-reliant.

Parents Today Need to Expect More From Their Teenagers Ultimately, parents should expect more

from themselves. Being godly Christian examples of those who

live with purpose, destiny and responsibility. That we can genuinely teach our children live

with purpose, destiny, and responsibility.

Conclusion

Do you expect what the parents expected from Jesus?

Teens: are you patterning your life after the twelve year old Jesus?