“Why were you searching for me?” he
asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke
2:49).
This
portion of Luke’s gospel gives us a broad sketch of Jesus’ years before He
reached teenage years. We read about an incident that happened when He was 12
years old; then some general observations about His development.
We
can infer that Jesus liked to play outside or simply accompanied His parents in
their daily chores, which most likely involved working in the fields. He
noticed the birds of the air; lilies of the valleys, etc.
He
did follow in Joseph’s footsteps as a carpenter. Some people knew Him as the
carpenter. “Isn’t this the carpenter?
Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t
his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him” (Mark 6:3).
Joseph
and Mary did care for their boy but did not necessarily “keep an eye”
on all of His movements. On that particular occasion, when Jesus was twelve, the
crowd (company) that He was part of left for home and for a whole day (v.44),
Joseph and Mary were not aware of His absence.
“After three days they
found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them
and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46).
Twelve
years old Jesus was among teachers, listening and asking questions.
“For
the Passover season it was the custom for the Sanhedrin to meet in public in
the Temple court to discuss, in the presence of all who would listen, religious
and theological questions.”
While
the ceremonial part of the Passover was important, Jesus was more interested in
the theological conversations – His Father’s business (v.49).
While Jesus’ childhood was “normal”, nevertheless he was aware of His “origin”, “work” and “destiny”. He grew in stature and wisdom to fulfill His mission: to become the Saviour of the world and Lord of all.