Norm Spohr’s sermon explores the only biblical account of Jesus’ life between infancy and adulthood: His visit to the temple at age twelve (Luke 2:41–52). Norm highlights how this moment displays Jesus’ early awareness of His identity and His mission—“being about His Father’s business.” Though Mary and Joseph misunderstand Him at first, Mary treasures these events, recognizing that Jesus is no ordinary boy.
Norm points out that Jesus, though fully God, matured in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men. He understood people, culture, daily life, and religious realities. He engaged teachers with insight and discerned spiritual truth in a world of hypocrisy and tradition.
From this passage, Norm asks three probing questions:
Are we living near God without being amazed by Him?
Many were near Jesus that day but not amazed. Believers must not lose wonder at who God is.
Are we confusing rebellion with immaturity?
Jesus was submissive and obedient, even at twelve. Norm challenges younger listeners—and adults—to abandon habits or attitudes they excuse as “just being young” but which are actually sin.
Are we honoring God through obedience and submission to His will?
Jesus delighted to be in His Father’s presence. Likewise, believers are invited to a transformed life that bears the “fingerprints of God”—a life marked by grace, truth, and influence on others.
Norm closes by reminding the church that Jesus’ example at age twelve is not merely a story but a call: to live amazed at God, to obey Him sincerely, and to become agents of grace and truth in our families, workplaces, and communities.