St. Luke 2: 41 – 52

June 21, 2022

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

I love verses 48 and 49. If you’ve had children or raised children, you’re familiar that there comes a time when they get a little big for their boots and think they’re grown up. There are no verses that say ‘Jesus laughed’, but these verses tell me Jesus was a human kid – as well as being Savior of the World, of course.

Mary says, ‘We looked for you and couldn’t find you and we were so worried about you – why didn’t you tell us you were going to stay here?’ This 12/13 year old Jesus says, ‘You know I have to be about my Father’s business’ – that’s His ‘get out of jail free card (I’m laughing). He’s deflecting; how many times have your children said, all wide -eyed innocence, “I thought you knew!” C’mon, now.

We spend so much time – rightfully so, certainly – studying His ministry and His miracles and of course, His work on the Cross; it’s just comical – and reassuring – that He was human as well. Teenagers; gotta love ’em. And especially this One.

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