To Do, Or Not To Do?

Recently, I was thinking about Jesus being tempted in every way we have (Heb. 4:15), and I realized that most of that probably occurred in His 30 hidden years.  We know that He was a carpenter, a craftsman who worked with wood, and we know almost nothing about His life outside of ministry, other than a few glimpses we are given of His birth, His presentation at the Temple, and the time He was lost, and found in the temple (Luke 2). We are given two sentences to describe His hidden life, found in Luke 2:40 NIV: "And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him."

-and -

Luke 2:52 NIV: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

I have reflected quite often on these hidden years, and this morning find myself drawn back to this idea.  We have the following understanding from the letter to the Hebrews 4:14-15 NIV:

[14] "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are---yet he did not sin."

If sin is defined as follows (Strong's): Usage: prop: missing the mark; hence: (a) guilt, sin, (b) a fault, failure (in an ethical sense), sinful deed.

HELPS Word-studies

266 hamartía (a feminine noun derived from 1 /A "not" and 3313 /méros, "a part, share of") – properly, no-share ("no part of"); loss (forfeiture) because not hitting the target; sin (missing the mark).

266 /hamartía ("sin, forfeiture because missing the mark") is the brand of sin that emphasizes its self-originated (self-empowered) nature – i.e. it is not originated or empowered by God (i.e. not of faith, His inworked persuasion, cf. Ro 14:23).

We must understand that Jesus walked perfectly in the Father's will, never faltered, but was perfectly obedient.  As such, His hidden life was the will of the Father.  While His life must have been exemplary, and He had favor with men, He was otherwise hidden.  He did no miracles, no signs or wonders, and we hear nothing of Him until His baptism by John. 

We are told that within His hometown he is not held in particular reverence, in fact it seems almost the opposite.  Here are some verses providing insight - Mark 6:1-3 NIV:

[1] "Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. [2] When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? [3] Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him."

If this was their response we must conclude a few things, first that Jesus had not taught in their synagogue before, and secondly, that He had done no remarkable things in their presence, or hearing, previously.  I have often though how difficult it must have been for Jesus, having the Father's heart, to stand by and not do anything remarkable as He witnessed people's struggles, sickness and trials. 

I am reminded of a verse found in the letter of James 4:17 NIV:  "If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them."

Somehow Jesus perfectly walked this fine edge of obedience, knowledge of what He could do, and not stepping into His own power.  He was capable of far more than this hidden life, but His time had not come and thus, in perfect obedience to the Father, He didn't engage and didn't reveal Himself.  HE knew exactly what the Father wanted Him to do, and did only that, regardless of the temptation to step out in His own power. 

It is important to note that James, makes a clear distinction, that it is full knowledge of what good they ought to do, not just anyone's list, or a list of general good things to do.  Strong's gives the following word-study: eídō ("seeing that becomes knowing") then is a gateway to grasp spiritual truth (reality) from a physical plane. 1492 (eídō) then is physical seeing (sight) which should be the constant bridge to mental and spiritual seeing (comprehension)."

Jesus operated in this perfectly, for He saw exactly what He was supposed to do, and did that.  He was aware of the physical plane need and the corresponding response tied to it from the spiritual plane (Father's will).  Others might have had a different opinion of the good that He should do, and this could have been one of the reasons His home town took offense at Him (Mark 6:3).  I imagine Jesus must have had a constant dialogue going with His Heavenly Father, "To do, or not to do, that is the question!" (Sorry for the Shakespeare-esque phrase).  He must have constantly been asking for and receiving very clear direction on how to act, what to do, and what not to do! 

This morning, I am encouraged that sometimes we might over-think and over-expect what God's plans and purposes are for us.  It is actually possible to live an unremarkable life, and be in perfect obedience to the Father! 

Lord, help me to know exactly what You would want me to do, help me to know what to do, and what not to do!

Amen!