How A Child Grows - Luke 1-2

 Luke 2:41-48 (ESV)

The Boy Jesus in the Temple

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”

Very little is written about Jesus as a boy.  Very little is spoken about Jesus as a boy.  Imagine your church doing a series on the “youth years of Jesus.”  It would probably be a short series since the above passage is all that is written about the boy Jesus.   The above passage is bracketed by two verses that somewhat summarize Jesus’ youth:

Luke 2:40 (ESV)

And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

Luke 2:52 (ESV)

And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Between these two passages we read about Jesus being in the Temple at 12 years old.  For a Jewish boy, this was the start of his manhood.   Jesus’ ministry would not begin until his 30s, so the above is all we have in the Cannon of Scripture.   It is noteworthy to read that Jesus was in the Temple both listening to the teachers and asking them questions.  Luke is the only one to refer to these religious leaders as teachers.   Later Jesus will tell the disciples that only he is their teacher:

Matthew 23:8-12 (ESV)

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Jesus, however, both listened to and questioned the “teachers” of the day.   Later He will call them blind leaders of the blind.  

Matthew 15:14 (ESV)

Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

The “crowd” was amazed at the interaction Jesus had with them.  He was the Son of God so He must have completely puzzled them with His knowledge of the Word.  Yet, in this setting He respected their authority and sought to even listen to them.    Remember that later the disciples will want to rebel and follow Jesus for His political greatness, His Kingship.    But, Jesus was more about His servanthood and His teaching them about salvation.   Even at 12 He was read to obey God, the Father, the One who sent Him to die on the cross.  When questioned about his parents as to why He stayed behind in the Temple to teach He replied:

Luke 2:49 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”

This should be the reply of every young person who wants to follow Jesus in their walk.