it’s tough being a kid
Water cooler conversation:
What was your biggest win this week? What was your biggest challenge?
If you could go back and talk to 12-year-old you, what would you say?
Unpack the Message:
Mary and Joseph have traveled with Jesus to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When the festival ends, they begin their long journey home to Nazareth, a trip that likely took four to five days. Jesus was 12 years old, and as the family would have been one of many traveling, it’s likely that family units naturally migrated into social groups with men and women taking advantage of the chance to catch up with friends or family and children and teens breaking off into their own social groups. Whatever the circumstances, after a full day of travel, Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was missing. They immediately turn back, and after three days, “they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46). Young Jewish men began their formal training in the synagogue when they turned 12 years old, so it’s unsurprising they found Jesus in the temple courts, deep in a theological discussion with temple leaders.
When Mary and Joseph finally reunite with Jesus, Mary reacts as any mother would, saying, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you” (Luke 2:48). The word translated “anxiously” here is the same word used in Luke 16:24 as “agony.” Jesus responds, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49) It’s clear from His response that Jesus knew who He truly was - not only the son of Mary and Joseph but also the Son of God. Mary and Joseph didn’t really understand what He meant, but Jesus submits to their authority and returns home to Nazareth with them.
Trajectory - Where am I going?
This glimpse into Jesus’ childhood shows us the trajectory of his future. From His discussion with the temple leaders in Luke 2 throughout the rest of the Gospels, we repeatedly people were amazed by the depth of Jesus’ knowledge and His spiritual insight.
Though little is known about Jesus’ childhood, it’s clear that Mary and Joseph had made His spiritual education a priority as Jesus grew not only physically and mentally but spiritually as well (Luke 2:52). It’s difficult to comprehend how Jesus could grow spiritually as He is God. However, Hebrews 5:8 reinforces this truth as we read that Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered. It all began with being willing to sit and learn at Mary and Joseph’s leading and example.
Transcendence - Who Is God to Me
When Jesus responds to Mary with the words, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house,” He is not dismissing his parents’ concern nor being disrespectful. Instead, He demonstrates that He already understood that His calling transcended that of a mere carpenter’s son.
Jesus didn’t attend the Festival of the Passover or sit and learn with the teachers at the temple because Mary and Joseph forced him to do so. He had a personal relationship with His heavenly Father that transcended even Mary and Joseph’s authority and comprehension. Jesus understood that God’s purpose in sending Him to earth, fully man yet fully God, was a higher calling that transcended all else.
Treasure - What do my parents hide in their hearts?
Luke 2 closes with the words Mary “treasured all these things in her heart.” After all the trauma of losing track of Jesus, discovering him in the temple court engaging in serious theological debate, and Jesus’ response (Luke 2:49-50), Mary tucks these experiences away. No doubt they brought her comfort and clarity 18 years later when Jesus’ earthly ministry begins. Even though she couldn’t fully comprehend everything that was happening, Mary knew from before Jesus was conceived that He was the promised Messiah.
In hindsight, what decision(s) have you made that you now see as shortsighted? How could thinking long-term or asking God for guidance have changed your trajectory?
Look at your current trajectory. Where are you going? Is it in alignment with God’s plan for your life?
As parents, how are you leading your children into a deeper relationship with Jesus? Are you supporting them as they explore God’s plan for their life?
As a child, how are you honoring your parents while following God’s trajectory for your life?
Jesus is our example of how a young child should honor and obey one’s parents. Does that principle apply as we become adults? What does honoring your parent look like as an adult child?
Make a Move:
Read Luke 2:41-50. Reflect on these questions:
Where am I going?
Who Is God to Me
What do my parents hide in their hearts?
Divide a page into two columns. On one side, write out your answers to these questions, and on the other, list where you aspire to be, who you want God to be in your life, and what kind of treasure you desire to give your parents.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, as I examine the trajectory of my life, I ask that you would give me wisdom and discernment so I submit to Your will for my life. As a parent, may I lead my family into a deeper relationship with You, and may Your will for my children transcend my will so that they chase after You all their lives. As a child, may I be reminded that my love earthly family should pale in comparison to my love for you. May it transcend all other relationships and in doing so, draw those far from Christ into salvation through you. Finally, may my relationship with You fill my parent’s hearts with treasure that will sustain them through all the challenges and heartbreak life can bring.