The Childhood of Jesus

Luke 2:40-52

Some would deny that Jesus had siblings, but according to Matthew 12:46-47, he definitely did. “While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.” Matthew 13:55-56 makes it clear they were Mary’s children. “Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?”

Other than the brief stay in Egypt, we know little about jesus childhood. The incident related here is the kind of incident the family would have noted and remembered in later years. While we can’t be sure, Luke’s comments imply that it was Mary who related the story. From the story we get a profound impression of Jesus as a child, and of a sincere and Godly family life.

“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.” (Luke 2;40-41)

Jesus grew in a normal manner, deeply religious, but thinking things through logically and carefully. Nevertheless, he was still very much a child, and like any young man, could forget about everything else when absorbed in something that held his interest.

“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.” (Luke 2:42-43)

Jesus obviously was not a trouble maker and his parents trusted him, expecting him to be with the other kids in the group they traveled with. They had no reason for concern until he didn’t show up for supper. When a boy misses a meal, something is wrong, and it got his parent’s attention.

“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.” (Luke 2:44-47)

Having traveled a days journey from Jerusalem, Jesus’ parents were another day getting back and didn’t find him until the third day after they had gone. They were surprised to find him in the temple, listening to the most educated men of the land, and asking questions. Everyone there was amazed that such a young man could have such a depth of understanding as his questions and responses.

His parents were amazed that he seemed to have totally forgotten about them in his absorption with learning about God. He was surprised that they would be concerned, because he saw it as his purpose in life. To him it just seemed so obvious what he would be doing.

“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.” (Luke 2;48-50)

Despite the angel’s messages to both Mary and Joseph, and the events surrounding his birth, Jesus was so completely normal that they had difficulty understanding how he could be so different from other children in some ways. Though they knew he was God’s son, they still thought of him in human terms. Nevertheless, they, and Mary especially, were aware of the differences.

“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 favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:51-52)

Though he was God, Jesus submitted himself to his parents as a normal child, learning to obey like any other child. As a result, he behaved in such a manner as to please both God and the people who knew him, unlike many kids today, who have far less reason to think they have the right to do as they please.