41Every year Jesus’ parents went to worship at Jerusalem during the Passover festival. 42When Jesus turned twelve, his parents took him to Jerusalem to observe the Passover, as was their custom. 43A full day after they began their journey home, Joseph and Mary realized that Jesus was missing. 44They had assumed he was somewhere in their entourage, but he was nowhere to be found. After a frantic search among relatives and friends, 45Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem to search for him.
46After being separated from him for three days, they finally found him in the temple, sitting among the Jewish teachers, listening to them and asking probing questions. 47All who heard Jesus speak were awestruck at his intelligent understanding of all that was being discussed and at his wise answers to their questions.
48His parents were shocked to find him there, and Mary scolded him, saying, “Son, your father and I have searched for you everywhere! We have been worried sick over not finding you. Why would you do this to us?”
49Jesus said to them, “Why would you need to search for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be here in my Father’s house, consumed with him?”
50Mary and Joseph didn’t fully understand what Jesus meant.
51Jesus went back home with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother treasured Jesus’ words deeply in her heart. 52As Jesus grew, so did his wisdom and maturity. The favor of men increased upon his life, for he was greatly loved by God.
This is the only account we have of an adolescent Jesus. And it is quite an account! Mary and Joseph have traveled with a large caravan of family to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. This was a time of celebration. People came from all around to gather together and remember how God saved the Jewish people.
When the celebration ended, the caravan packed up and headed back home. Mary and Joseph didn't see Jesus, but they were surrounded by family and assumed Jesus was walking in another part of the group. A whole day passed and when Mary and Joseph looked for Jesus, He was nowhere to be found.
Can you imagine the panic Mary and Joseph must've felt? Not only did they lose their son, but they also misplaced the Son of God! I wonder what Mary was thinking every moment that passed without Jesus. I imagine her fervently pleading with God with every step she took. I wonder if there was any asking for forgiveness taking place. It must've felt like the longest, slowest journey of her entire life.
Jesus' response to Mary and Joseph once they found him is confusing for Mary and Joseph. Mary and Joseph didn't understand what Jesus was saying, I've had three teenage girls. There were many times I didn't understand what they were saying either. But Jesus was speaking at a spiritual level that puzzled Mary and Joseph.
So, Jesus left the temple and obediently returned home with His parents.
And then there's verse 52. As Jesus grew, so did his wisdom and maturity. The favor of men increased upon his life, for he was greatly loved by God.
This is all we get of Jesus' maturing process. He grew in all the ways - mentally, physically, spiritually, and relationally. He became stronger working alongside Joseph and learning the family trade of carpentering. He celebrated birthdays and the passing of years. Spiritually, His connection with God grew deeper and deeper. And people liked Him. He earned the respect and trust of others.
What areas do you need to focus on in your growth? Mental growth? Physical health? Do you need to focus on your spiritual maturity?
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