Young Jesus
You probably know the familiar details about the youth of Jesus—born in a manger, visited by shepherds and Magi. But the most significant glimpse we have of His young years happens when He is twelve. Luke 2:41 tells us, “Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.”
Picture Mary, Joseph, and Jesus walk 15 miles a day for the 70 miles. They were with extended family and neighbors, sharing stories, singing psalms, and anticipating the worship and celebration in Jerusalem. It was more than a journey; it was a spiritual pilgrimage, full of reverence and joy.
The trip to Jerusalem must have been exciting, but the return took an unexpected twist. While traveling in a caravan, Mary and Joseph assume Jesus is with them. By evening, probably as they set up camp, they realized He was missing. After walking back another day to Jerusalem, they spent a third day searching through the 225 acres of the city and the 35 acres of the temple. Finally, they found Him in the temple, sitting with the teachers, listening and asking questions (Luke 2:46). Jesus wasn’t just listening—He was actively engaging in deep discussions. Verse 47 says, “Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers.” Of course, they were. He was only twelve years old.
Then comes one more striking detail: Luke 2:52 says, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” This means He was well-liked by His neighbors, giving us a glimpse of the kind of young man He was—wise, kind, and deeply respected.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.