Sermon Breakdown

1. The passage under consideration is Luke 2:44 which describes Jesus being left behind in Jerusalem at the age of 12. This passage is both historical and serves as a parable.
2. The main message of the passage is the danger of assuming or supposing that Christ is with us when he may not be. This is a tragic mistake to make.
3. It is sad for people to delude themselves or be self-deceived. This is especially tragic in the realm of Christianity where our eternal destiny depends on our relationship with Christ.
4. There are times, like the present, where the importance of not being self-deceived is particularly urgent and important. We must know exactly where we stand with Christ.
5. The way to know if Christ is with us is if he makes all the difference in times of crisis and trial. Do we know we are not alone? Do we have a comfort the world does not know? Are we not afraid?
6. Christ himself taught that those with him would have rest, an easy yoke and light burden, never hunger or thirst, and have living water. The test is if this proves true in our experience.
7. Examples of those who proved Christ's presence in times of trial were the Apostle Paul, early Christian martyrs, and saints. They knew comfort, peace, and courage through Christ.
8. The first reason people mistakenly assume Christ is with them is because they expect him to do their will rather than submitting to his. They want a Christianity they can control.
9. The second reason is a failure to understand who Christ truly is. They see him as merely a good teacher or example rather than the Son of God and God himself. Only in encountering Christ is one humbled.
10. The third reason is a failure to understand why Christ came into the world. It was not primarily to improve the world or end wars but to reconcile man to God through his atoning sacrifice. He came to seek and save the lost.
11. Joseph and Mary did not understand who Christ was or why he came. The doctors of the law argued with the 12-year-old Christ, showing their lack of understanding. Christ's mission was his Father's business.
12. Christ came to restore the world to God, reunite heaven and earth, reconcile man to God, justify by faith, and complete the final judgment and renewal of creation. This is the Father's business.
13. We must know if Christ is with us and examine ourselves. We must seek him with all our heart, finding in him a refuge and savior. He is with those who come to him in their failure, despair, and helplessness.