15. Jesus speaks with the religious teachers
– Luke 2:41-52
Luke 2:43-44 “After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.”
At this point, Jesus was twelve years old. In Jewish culture, he was old enough to be considered a man. The families traveled to the Feast by caravan. Typically, the women and children would be at the front while the men took up the rear. Jesus could have been in either group. Although Mary and Joseph did not notice Jesus’ absence until a day later, they were not necessarily being neglectful. They could have thought that Jesus was on the other end of the caravan. It wasn’t until the caravan stopped did they realize that Jesus was no longer with them. In the same way, Jesus probably didn’t intentionally stay behind. He was probably so fascinated with the religious teachers thoughts about God that he hadn’t notice the caravan leaving.
Luke 2:47 “Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.”
Although Jesus became flesh here on earth, he always existed. He knew God intimately as his father. Additionally, he is God and is part of the holy trinity. Even though he was only twelve years old, he knew things that only God knows. Even at an early age, he was recognized and respected by the great rabbis. Because of the Passover, the greatest rabbis throughout the region were able to congregate. The fact that Jesus was getting so much attention from them is enough of a testimony to those around him.
Luke 2:49-51 “Why were you searching for me?’ he asked. ‘Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?’ But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”
This is the first time Jesus mentioned that he knew God was his true father. Between Jesus speaking to the great rabbis and acknowledging God as his father, Mary had more confidence that Jesus was the true Messiah. We can take two notes from Jesus’ actions. One, he was obedient to his parents even though he knew God was his true father. Who is it that is in charge of you? Is it your parents, a leader, political figure, boss, etc.? Do you honor and respect them? Jesus choose to follow his earthly parents’ orders. There is a reason why God has placed this person in a leadership position over you. Even if you do not agree with them, Jesus teaches us to obey. Second, Jesus states that he “had to be in his Father’s house.” Once you received salvation, you accepted God as being your father as well. Therefore, take Jesus’ example. Be and dwell with God. Let God nurture you into the best version of yourself. Spend ample time in fellowship with God and his believers. Be part of God’s church and do his works here on earth. Make your home in him. Find shelter in him. Make him your safe place.
