Expecting More From Our Teenagers

1
Expecting More From Our Teenagers

• Raising the bar of expectations for our teenage
  children. Lk. 241-52

2
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.

3
Introduction

• We shall use our Savior when He was only twelve
  as our perfect example for what we can expect
  from our teenagers.
• Well look at the example of parenting that
  played a huge role in the maturation of Jesus.
• Well look at the life of Jesus because He was
  his own person, for responsible for his own
  decisions by age twelve.
• Well finish with some specific things parents
  should be able to expect from their teenagers.

4
The Parents of Jesus

• Went to the Feat of the Passoverevery year. Lk.
  241
• They themselves were faithful in keeping the
  Lords will and trusting God would keep their
  home and land safe while they went to the temple.
  Cp. Exo. 3423-24
• They set an example to their son from the
  beginning of being faithful and trusting in the
  Lord.

5
John Trumble
SIDE NOTE

• Helped Noah Webster Write Dictionary
• Read through the Bible
• at age FOUR

6
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.

7
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.

8
Jewish Tradition
SIDE NOTE

• 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!

9
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 Gods will in mind.
  V. 49

10
By The Time Jesus Was Twelve

• The spiritual implications are tremendous
• He studied/memorized/meditated on the scriptures.
  Cp. Josh. 18
• This would allow him to have discerning
  conversations with the teachers of the Law.

11
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 Gods will in mind.
  V. 49
• The spiritual implications are tremendous
• He kept increasing in wisdom and stature. V. 52

12
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
  lifes work. Heb. 415
• He continued since the event at the temple to
  be in subjection to them (as Gods word
  revealed).

13
Uncommon Maturity
SIDE NOTE

• 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.

14
Uncommon Maturity
SIDE NOTE

• 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

15
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.

16
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.

17
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.

18
Conclusion

• Do you expect what the parents expected from
  Jesus?
• Teens are you patterning your life after the
  twelve year old Jesus?