Jesus’ Childhood and the Three R’s

Introduction
We often speak of the “three R’s” of education—reading, writing, and arithmetic. Young people must learn these basic tools. But when we look at the childhood of Jesus, we see another set of three R’s that are just as important: Respect, Responsibility, and Religion. These qualities shaped His youth and must shape ours today.

The Timeline of Jesus’ Childhood
The life of Jesus began in humble circumstances. Mary and Joseph were in Nazareth before His birth (Luke 2:1). He was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4–6). Eight days later He was circumcised and named Jesus (Luke 2:21), fulfilling the law of Leviticus 12. On the fortieth day, His parents presented Him at the temple (Luke 2:22–24). There Simeon prophesied over Him (Luke 2:25–35), and Anna spread the word with joy (Luke 2:36–38).

Later, wise men visited Him in a house (Matthew 2:1, 11–12). When warned of Herod’s intentions, Joseph immediately fled with Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13–14). Herod slaughtered the male children under two years old (Matthew 2:16). When Herod died, the family returned to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19–23). Through it all, Joseph and Mary modeled respect for God’s Word and responsibility to follow His commands—examples that Jesus observed and learned from as a child.

The Boy Jesus at the Temple
Luke 2:41–52 records Jesus at age twelve staying behind in the temple. Jewish culture emphasized study of the Law, preparing boys for responsibility at age thirteen. But even before then, children like Josiah at age eight could choose to do what was right (2 Chronicles 34:1–2).

Jesus amazed the teachers with His understanding. When His parents found Him, He said, “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). He was already demonstrating respect, responsibility, and religion. Luke 2:51–52 summarizes His growth:

• He remained obedient to His parents (Respect).

• He grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and men (Responsibility and Religion).

The Baptism of Jesus
By the age of thirty, Jesus entered adulthood fully. Matthew 3:13–17 records His baptism by John. Though He had no sins, He submitted “to fulfill all righteousness.” His baptism showed His accountability to God’s plan and set an example of obedience. Respect, responsibility, and religion were guiding His every step.

The Three R’s of Jesus’ Youth

Religion
Jesus knew the Law and lived it. He demonstrated the importance of God’s Word and taught us to do the same. We are called to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13) and the light of the world (Matthew 5:14–16). Our religion must show itself in love, righteous speech (Proverbs 8:8), moral choices, and faithful worship.

Respect
Respect for people, property, and authority is commanded by God. The Golden Rule tells us to love our neighbor (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39). Romans 13:1–2 teaches respect for governing authorities. Leviticus 19:32 commands respect for the aged. Jesus Himself showed respect to His parents, His Father in heaven, and even to earthly authorities. We must learn to do the same.

Responsibility
Responsibility means realizing we are accountable for our actions before God. Jesus showed responsibility by accepting the cross. Galatians 6:7–8 reminds us we reap what we sow. We must be honest with God, ourselves, others, and those in authority. Proverbs 20:17 warns that dishonest gain will turn to gravel in the mouth. Responsibility requires honesty, courage, and integrity.

Conclusion
Yes, young people must learn to read, write, and do arithmetic. But more importantly, they must learn the three R’s of Jesus’ youth: Respect, Responsibility, and Religion. Jesus demonstrated all three as a child, a boy, and a young man. As Christians, we must live by these same qualities every day.

Exhaustive Sermon Outline: Jesus’ Childhood and the Three R’s

Introduction

• Three R’s of education: reading, writing, arithmetic.

• Jesus’ three R’s: respect, responsibility, religion.

I. Timeline of Jesus’ Childhood

• Birth in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4–6).

• Circumcision and naming (Luke 2:21).

• Presentation at temple (Luke 2:22–24; Leviticus 12:6–8).

• Simeon and Anna’s prophecy (Luke 2:25–38).

• Visit of Magi (Matthew 2:1, 11–12).

• Flight to Egypt, Herod’s slaughter (Matthew 2:13–16).

• Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19–23).

• Respect and responsibility modeled by parents.

II. The Boy Jesus

• Visit to Jerusalem at Passover (Luke 2:41–52).

• Jewish culture: Bar Mitzvah, responsibility at age 13.

• Josiah as an example at age 8 (2 Chronicles 34:1–2).

• Jesus amazed teachers; statement in temple (Luke 2:49).

• Growth in wisdom, stature, favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).

III. Baptism of Jesus

• Age thirty, full adulthood.

• Baptism by John (Matthew 3:13–17).

• Submitted to fulfill righteousness.

• Modeled responsibility and obedience.

IV. The Three R’s

1. Religion

   • Salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16).

   • Love and righteous living (Proverbs 8:8; Proverbs 23:29–35).

   • Faithful worship and moral choices.

2. Respect

   • Love your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18).

   • Respect for authority (Romans 13:1–2).

   • Respect for the aged (Leviticus 19:32).

   • Jesus obeyed His parents (Luke 2:51).

3. Responsibility

   • Jesus at the cross.

   • Galatians 6:7–8—sowing and reaping.

   • Honesty with God, self, others.

   • Proverbs 20:17—dishonest gain fails.

Conclusion

• Learn reading, writing, arithmetic.

• More importantly, practice respect, responsibility, religion.

• Jesus modeled all three; so must we.

Call to Action

Christian youth—and all of us—must pursue the three R’s of Jesus’ life: respect, responsibility, and religion. These are the foundations of a faithful Christian walk. Let us commit ourselves to teaching them in our homes, living them before the world, and following the example of Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus’ childhood reveals respect, responsibility, and religion (Luke 2:49–52).

• Respect: for parents, authority, people, and property (Leviticus 19:18; Romans 13:1–2).

• Responsibility: accountable before God (Galatians 6:7–8; Proverbs 20:17).

• Religion: being salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13–16).

• Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God and men—our example (Luke 2:52).

Scripture Reference List

• Luke 2:1–52 – Timeline of Jesus’ youth.

• Leviticus 12:1–8 – Law of purification.

• Matthew 2:1–23 – Visit of Magi, flight to Egypt, return to Nazareth.

• 2 Chronicles 34:1–2 – Josiah at age eight.

• Matthew 3:13–17 – Baptism of Jesus.

• Matthew 5:13–16 – Salt and light.

• Leviticus 19:18, 32 – Love neighbor, respect aged.

• Romans 13:1–2 – Respect for authority.

• Galatians 6:7–8 – Reap what we sow.

• Proverbs 20:17 – Dishonest gain fails.

Prepared by Travis Main