a                     portrait

      of                   

   jesus 

            

A PORTRAIT OF THE BOY JESUS

                

“Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and men.”    Luke 2:52

   
     There is very little detail in Scripture about Jesus childhood other than Luke telling us that “he grew strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”  Luke 2:40

 

     The only record of his boyhood years is an unusual one that takes place in Jerusalem at Passover time when Jesus was 12 years old. Imagine Jesus for the first time looking upon the temple; witnessing the priests performing their duties; beholding the blood sacrifices.  With other worshipers, he bowed his head, while a cloud of incense ascended to his Father.  Each day he would see more meaning in the rituals.  Every act seemed to be bound to his life.  The mystery of his future mission was opening up to him. Being thirsty to know more he began inquiring of the rabbis and teachers. When the worshippers departed the temple Jesus was left behind. His parents thinking he was with the others, the women with the women and the men with the men were unworried. Meanwhile at the temple, Luke tells us that the teachers were truly amazed at both Jesus’ understanding and his answers to their questions.

 

     Finding Jesus missing, his frantic parents searched for their beloved son three days.  When Joseph and Mary finally found him they expressed their anxiety to him.  Jesus’ answer was one that Mary would ponder in her heart.  “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” His mission was now clear, his identity sure, it was essential that he be about his Father’s business.  He thought his parents would have understood that.

 

     Jesus also knew it was not time for his mission to begin, the law required him to be obedient to his parents for 18 more years until the time appointed by his Father.  Luke records Jesus return to Nazareth and his obedience in these words: “Jesus continued to grow in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).  Joseph, a carpenter, no doubt had no better apprentice than Jesus.  A son who was eager to learn and who later would use these lessons to effectively teach the people of Israel.  “My yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:30). Mary had no dearer child than Jesus.  There is no doubt that he brought a special joy to his parents’ lives.  For 30 years he obeyed, learned from and loved both his earthly parents and his heavenly Father with his whole heart.

                                                                                   D, Mathewson