The Boy Jesus

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in their company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.  Luke 2:41-52

Jesus as a boy at the age of 12 could not be perceived as already having the use of His Deity power by performing miracles, and supernatural exploits. But rather, His use of His quest for learning and desiring more and more knowledge from what resources that were around Him. During the time of Passover, the pilgrimage of thousands came into Jerusalem for the yearly feast. In our passage we see the only biblical insight into what Jesus was like as a boy. A typical Jewish boy, in a typical Jewish family. So as we have read that Jesus lingers behind, and was not known by His earthly parents, Joseph, and His mother. Note that Joseph is named, but Mary is known as His mother. This is the last mention of Joseph, other than the list of names in the genealogy of Christ through Mary (Luke 3:23). His lingering was neither mischievous nor disobedient, but of an awareness on His part that drew Him into the temple to see for Himself what these teachers of the Law knew about God. So through a days journey in the midst of a very large traveling party of friends and relatives returning to Nazareth, it’s not that unlikely that it was an honest mistake for parents to think that their children were all within this large group being watched by the other parent, being separated by distances in travel.

Now the Bible has many instances in the New Testament, where Jesus declares that obedience to God, and His commandments are the actions of those who love God the Father. Jesus, at the age of 12, was utterly respectful, taking the role of student, eager to learn what was being taught in the synagogue. Even at that age, He clearly distinguishes Himself through His response and questions He gave in return. These all clearly indicated His wisdom that put His earthly teachers in amazement. Here is an observation, Jesus, during His ministry gave us an insight on those who are raising children: Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16). Most if not all of these children were too young to exercise personal faith and trust in Christ. Jesus’ words imply that God graciously extends salvation to those too young or perhaps due to a mentally impaired person who could not come alone to Him. I find great comfort knowing that God cares more for our children then perhaps we do ourselves. For our window of time for us to influence our children for God while they’re are at that age of  being completely dependent, is not that long of a time. It is comforting to know that Jesus is that concerned for their eternal being as well as their earthly well being.

” Why have You done this to us?” Mary’s words contain a tone of exasperation and even rebuke, a very understandable response for any mother under such circumstances, but in this case, misplaced. Jesus was not hiding from anyone, nor was He defying their authority, in fact, He did what we would want any of our lost children to do, go to a public place in the presence of trusted officials where there would be safety, until His parents had found Him. While mentioning Joseph who was legally His father, Jesus makes a statement the first of many He would eventually make, that brings genuine amazement that they would not understand at first, Jesus here, even at the young age of 12 years old, has begun to realize what His true identity and mission in His earthly life: “I must be about My Father’s business.” His reply was not insolent but reveals a clear consciousness and awareness that His purpose for being here was already taking shape. And this I also find to be of comfort, His relationship with His heavenly Father did not override or nullify His duty to His earthly parents. His obedience to the fifth commandment “Honor your father and mother” was an essential part of the perfect legal obedience He rendered on our behalf and to fulfill all righteous requirements.

Beloved friend, Jesus increased—Jesus, did not cease being God or divest Himself of divine attributes in order to became man. Rather, He took on a human nature an addition, not a subtraction, and submitted the use of His divine attributes to the will of the Father (Philippians 2:5-8). So through out the course of His life on earth, there would be times when His omniscience was on display (Matthew 17:2), and other times when it was veiled by His humanity in accordance to the Father’s will (Mark 13:32). If you are a Christian today, what can we learn from today’s passage? We indeed need to celebrate the angels proclamation that indeed, Christ the Savior was born. But look at how our world has turned it all into superficial and artificial celebratory influences of expense and material gifts, and with out the real joy and peace that it was meant to bring us! The truly wise know that it is time to slowdown from all of the hustle this season can cause, and know that true satisfaction and fulfillment can only come from spiritual things. We must seek to have a proper balance between material and spiritual aspects of life, which is only possible when Christ is at the center of your life. Parents wanting their children to sit with Santa Claus, should even more want their children to sit with Jesus as well in worship and song. The Lord cares about every aspect of our lives, when were young, or teenage, young adults, middle aged, or in the senior years of life. God cares so much for everyone’s need of knowing Him, and His great love for us. These spiritual matters are discovered when we take on Jesus examples for growth and development through the reading and studying of His Word. Utilizing His strength and power to obey His Word. When you taste and see His life is good, your life will be rich and fruitful, and witnessing to our world the joy of our salvation.

May the Lord bless your walk with Him!

Author: rontrujillo

Married 37 years We have six children. All of whom are adult. Three are married one of them blessed us with three beautiful grandchildren. Retired Firefighter @ Boeing Aircraft 37 years (Formally McDonnell Douglas) Born Again Summer of 1981 View all posts by rontrujillo