Have you ever thought of what it would have been like to be the parents of Jesus?
I’m mean, I don’t think it could have been all that difficult, but He was a child just like all the rest of us. I’m sure he skinned his knee, and spilled his glass of milk, just like us. But knowing that He is the Son of the Most High God, how would you bring correction and discipline when needed?
I thought of that while reading Luke 2 today. The Bible tells us that when Jesus was 12 years old, you know – middle school age – around 6th grade (that already sends a shiver up some spines), Joseph, Mary and Jesus all headed to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, which was a yearly event.
When the Passover was all over they headed home. However, Joseph and Mary left without knowing that Jesus stayed in the city. They thought he was with other family members and friends, since they travelled in caravans to protect themselves from thieves along the way. It would have been common for the younger ones to run and goof around while walking. But like I said, Jesus stayed in the city.
A full day went by before they realized that Jesus was nowhere to be found. Can you imagine the panic that most of us would feel? They hurriedly went back to Jerusalem. Then the Bible tells us they looked for Jesus in Jerusalem for three days. Let’s see, they walked for a day… they walked back for another day… they looked for three days – 5 days went by. On the 5th, or possibly the 6th day, they found Jesus in the temple, sitting with everyone, listening and actually telling them what He knew.
Here’s the verse that jumped off the page for me…
When His parents found Him, they were amazed.
Luke 2:48 CEV
Yeah, “amazed” isn’t the word I was thinking. Irritated might be better. Or how about infuriated. Or maybe even exasperated, but I’m not thinking amazed.
Mary even asked Him what He was thinking, didn’t He know they would be worried. Jesus responded…
“Why did you have to look for Me? Didn’t you know that I would be in My Father’s house?” Can I tell you, back in the day, if I would have said something like to my father, I would have gotten a good swift hand to the back of the head. Then the Bible says,
But they did not understand what He meant.
Luke 2:50
What’s my point in all of this? Many times we forget who Jesus really is. He is the Son of God. He is our Redeemer and Savior. He is the Light of the world, the bright Morning Star and the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He isn’t meant to be as much understood, as believed.
Here’s my word of encouragement for you today: Give to Jesus the honor and respect He deserves. Shower on Him your love and worship Him with everything in you. You might not always understand His ways, but just believe Him anyway!
Father,
Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. Help me to trust and believe You more each day. In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.
Rev. Dr. MM Marxhausen
Mark was Spiritual Director for VdC from 2016 to 2019. He's written many of the devotions, especially the Devote and Affirm series, found on this website.
