The Boy Jesus

A fascinating story about the twelve year old messiah.

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Happy 7th day of Christmas to you.

What a fascinating account we have in front of us today. No where else in all of the gospels do we have a story about Jesus between his infancy and middle adulthood. This is it.

The Christmas stories in the Bible are a great reminder to us that Jesus was human from the start. He was born of a woman, a baby, flesh and blood and all of that. Despite what the song says, you can be sure he cried and did all the stuff babies did.

But today’s story of Jesus at age 12 calls us even deeper into the understanding that he was a human. Do you remember being 12 years old? Or do you know any kids about that age today? They’re pretty human, aren’t they?

And while we can imagine that Jesus was a bit different, even as a 12 year old, Luke tells us that he was still yet growing and maturing as a human being. His experience of living in the world, in Nazareth, as part of a family was formative and shaping, just as it was for you and for me.

This story also offers us a glimpse of Jesus’ unique sense of purpose, even as a child. His question, “Didn’t you know I must be in my Father’s house?” remind us that while Jesus was human, he was growing into his role as divine son of God. Even so, the divine calling didn’t separate him from his earthly family. Luke tells us that he returned to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph and was obedient to them, showing us that his life was deeply embedded in the rhythms of family and daily life, as well as Jewish culture and tradition.

Luke 2:41-51

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom. After the festival was over, they were returning home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t know it. Supposing that he was among their band of travelers, they journeyed on for a full day while looking for him among their family and friends. When they didn’t find Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were shocked.

His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said to them.

Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart.

Psalm 27:4

I have asked one thing from the Lord— it’s all I seek: to live in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, seeing the Lord’s beauty and constantly adoring his temple.

Prayer

God,

Thank you for the mystery and beauty of the incarnation—that Jesus entered fully into our humanity, growing and maturing just like us.

Help me to embrace the ordinary moments of life, trusting that you are present in the growth, questions, and relationships. Teach me, like Jesus, to seek your presence, to listen for your voice, and to remain faithful in the places you have called us.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.