Read: Luke 2:41–52
Jesus said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49
The story of Jesus in the temple as a boy is fascinating, because at one moment the account conveys an image of a child far wiser than his years, while in the next it demonstrates a youth’s careless disregard for his parents. As a boy Jesus was wise, but he was still very much a boy. From a young age we are told that Jesus appeared both human and divine. He understood that there were more expansive definitions of family than the ones traditionally held, while at the same time he callously worried his immediate family of origin.
This brief story ends with a hint of repentance. It says that after disappearing from the family caravan and causing his mother and father to frantically search Jerusalem for him, Jesus become obedient. He chose to follow the instruction of his earthly parents, and he grew in age and wisdom as well as divine and human favor. Jesus made a mistake, he needlessly frightened his parents, and he chose never to be that careless toward his family again. Jesus grew up.
When did you grow up?
Lord, I have this image of a perfect Jesus—a Jesus who was divine from conception. Is it not possible that divinity is something He grew into…as You encourage us all to grow up and grow closer to You? So many aspects of faith confuse me, but imagining Jesus dealing with some of the same flaws I recognize in my own life encourages me to believe that I can learn to be more faithful too. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.