Luke 2:39-52 "And when they had performed all things according to the Law of the LORD, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And the CHILD grew, and waxed strong in SPIRIT, filled with wisdom: and the grace of GOD was upon HIM. Now HIS parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when HE was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the CHILD JESUS tarried behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and HIS mother knew not of it. But they, supposing HIM to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought HIM among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found HIM not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking HIM.
And it came to pass, that after three days they found HIM in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard HIM were astonished at HIS understanding and answers. And when they saw HIM, they were amazed: and HIS mother said unto HIM, SON, why hast THOU thus dealt with us ? behold, THY father and I have sought THEE sorrowing. And HE said unto them, How is it that ye sought ME ? wist ye not that I must be about MY FATHER's business ? And they understood not the saying which HE spake unto them. And HE went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but HIS mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And JESUS increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with GOD and man."
JESUS grew up in a typical first century Jewish home. Obviously, Judaism would have been something HE understood by HIS very nature, yet HE also would have received instruction at home from Joseph and Mary. We know from reading Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) that she had a detailed knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and we can well imagine both Joseph and Mary recounting their conversations with the angel Gabriel to JESUS concerning HIS miraculous birth. Thus, from an early age CHRIST JESUS understood WHO HE was and what HE had come to earth to accomplish.
When JESUS was twelve years old, HIS family traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover; unknowingly, they headed home to Nazareth without HIM. Three days later, they found JESUS sitting at the feet of some of the most respected scholars of the day; HIS questions and understanding revealed HIS astounding knowledge and grasp of the Scriptures (vv.46-47 pictured above). The question HE posed to Joseph and Mary concerning their search for HIM (v.49 pictured above) is reasonable, given the spiritual truths they communicated at home. Why were they surprised and alarmed when HE went missing ? After all, they had taught HIM WHO HE was and supported that teaching by their own testimonials; HE was simply following through on what HE had already learned from Joseph and Mary's own example and instruction. The conviction JESUS had about what HE was doing is remarkable in such a young person. How often do we, as parents today, carefully and thoughtfully articulate the WORD of GOD to our sons and daughters ? Our children crucially need solid grounding in the things of the LORD. Do not let them down ! GDF
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https:/www./fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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