Luke 2:41-52

This is the only story we have about Jesus between His infancy and the beginning of His ministry roughly at age 30. Of course there are theories and tales galore, but this is the only reliable record of that period. One thing is clear about young Jesus; He knew who He was.

After the Passover was completed, His family set off for the return trip to Nazareth. It was a large party, and everyone seems to have assumed that 12-year-old Jesus was in the group, but after a day, Mary and Joseph headed back to Jerusalem to find Him; ah yes, 12-year-olds will get into mischief!

After three days they finally found the boy in the Temple sitting with the teachers listening, asking, answering… Everyone there was amazed that such a young boy had so much understanding. Here’s the part that’s telling:

His mother asked Him: “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” I would suggest that this would be a reasonable question, one that most mothers would be yelling under the circumstances. Here is Jesus’ reply to His mother:

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (2:49)

Oh yes dear reader, Jesus knew who He was; had His poor parents forgotten? Luke tells us they didn’t understand what he was saying…

Can’t say that I blame them, come to think of it; it couldn’t have been easy to be a parent of the Son of God.

All three returned home, and Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men. Mary treasured all of these memories in her heart.