In The Word
Read: Luke 2:41-52
Visit to Jerusalem
41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.42 And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it,44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
At the age of twelve, Yahshua went with his parents to Jerusalem for the annual Passover feast, but He remained behind when his parents left with the caravan. When Yahshua’s parents realized He was not with them, they returned to Jerusalem to look for Him and found Him in the temple. His parents were astonished that He had stayed behind, yet Yahshua was surprised they did not realize that He was in the temple learning from the teachers. At a young age, Yahshua was already moved to do the Father’s will.
This account demonstrates Yahshua’s eagerness to grow in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word so He could wisely follow the Father’s perfect will. No one forced Him to interact with the teachers; rather, He intentionally put himself in the right situation to grow by asking questions and listening to wise men.
No matter our age, we should always strive to grow in spiritual wisdom so we can live in godliness and teach others to do the same. Are you eager to spend time with God and go to church to grow spiritually, or are you just doing it because you are supposed to? Are you intentionally striving to grow in real knowledge and understanding through the study of God’s Word to become wise and mature, or are you just reading a little and sitting in church? Your desire to spend time with God and learn His ways is an indicator of your level of love for God.