Who is Jesus? Chapter 7 - Jesus at 12 years Old

Who is Jesus? chapter 7 - - Jesus at Twelve Years Old

 

Have you ever lost something but did not realize it was lost until several days later? 

Once a year there was a huge feast at Jerusalem to celebrate the "Passover." This celebration lasted several days, and many would congregate at the temple listening to the wise teachers recite the scriptures and explain the law. 

 

You will remember the Passover feast was to remind the Jewish people that the angel of Death had Passed Over their homes upon viewing the blood of the innocent lamb on the sides of the door and over the door post.  Their first born of man and beast were saved, but it was not so in the households of the Egyptians.

As was the custom of Mary and Joseph they took Jesus with them each year to attend this feast in Jerusalem.   Jesus was now twelve years old and soon he would complete the requirements at age thirteen to become a man.  Many relatives, and neighbors had traveled with them to attend this annual celebration.  In those days, each family looked out for the children so when it was time to leave, Mary and Joseph assumed that Jesus was with his cousins and friends as the group left for Nazareth. 

After traveling a day, (probably around 20 miles) and resting for the night, Mary became concerned to find Jesus.   None of the others had seen him, so Mary and Joseph were worried and realized they must return to Jerusalem to seek the young boy.

Early the next morning they traveled back to Jerusalem and at the temple they found Jesus listening and asking questions of the learned teachers.  The scholars were all amazed at the wisdom of this young child and the depth of understanding he seemed to have as he questioned them.

Mary as any mother would be, was upset at Jesus staying behind, and asked him "Why have you caused me and your father to worry so?"   As we have studied, we will remember that Joseph was not the blood father to Jesus, so the answer Jesus gave was not impudence, but in his mind he knew of greater things. 

Luke 2:48-50 And when they saw him, they were amazed; and his mother said unto him, Son, why have you thus dealt with us? Behold, your father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Don't you know  that it behooves me to be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the word which he spoke unto them.

Jesus was referring to his Father God, because even at this early age, he was aware that there was a destiny on his life.

The scriptures in Luke tell us that Jesus returned with them to Nazareth, and was subject to them, as he grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man.  Mary pondered all these things in her heart, for she remembered the visit of the angel and the declaration that many things that would happen would tear her heart in little pieces.

Twelve years old is an age when many young people are making decisions that will affect their entire life.  Jesus was no different that other young boys, and his choice was to learn more about the scriptures of the Old Testament and the prophesies that told of the Messiah.  Even at a young age, Jesus loved God the Father and was willing to obey and do God's will concerning God's plans for his life. 

Each of us must make those decisions that will effect our lives and will be the deciding factor as to where we will spend eternity.  It is a wise person who will ask Jesus to become personal and real to them and grant them peace in their spirit and soul. 

 

We will continue to follow Jesus as he matures and begins his earthly ministry.