Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his public ministry. Luke 3:21-23
Luke tells us that Jesus was about thirty years old when He “went public.” For almost thirty years, Jesus lived a simple, “normal,” life. Growing, learning, working, (See Luke 2:52) and living without spectacle or fame. Neighbor, son, brother, nephew… working as a carpenter in the family business (See Mark 6:3). The Word of God, in flesh, quietly living out a normal life,
The remarkable thing about these two verses in Luke, is the order they come in. Before the miracles, the signs, the wonders, the teaching, the disciples and followers, Jesus lived a life simply submitted to His parents (Luke 2:51) and to His Father in Heaven. And before the wonders, the signs, the miracles, the teaching, the disciples and the followers, Jesus was dearly loved by God and brought God great joy!
It is so easy in our “15 minutes of fame” world to think that we must be spectacular to please God, but the order of these two verses shows otherwise! God is pleased – in fact, greatly joy-filled, by a quiet life, well lived, in submission to Him.
Let’s Do Something About It
Consider your faith goals. Do you sometimes feel like you have to do something spectacular in order to bring glory to God? Confess these feelings, and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can bring great joy to the Lord today, by simply and quietly being the Word of God to those around you.
