Nazareth had been the home of Joseph and Mary before they went to Bethlehem, and they returned there after the stay in Egypt, because Joseph feared the ruler of Judea might harm the Child Jesus. And that was why Jesus’ home was quite far from the city of David in Judea, where the King was expected to live (John 7:4242Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? (John 7:42)).
There is still a town of Nazareth, built on the slope of a hill, and the view of the country about and of the mountains is very beautiful. The Sea of Galilee is not far away.
Only a few words are written of Jesus as a child: that He “grew and waxed (became) strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.”
The One Story of Jesus As a Boy
There is only one event told of Jesus when a boy, that is the visit to Jerusalem for the Passover feast with Joseph and Mary. It is not told how they traveled, perhaps on mules, or they may have walked. The distance is over sixty miles direct, and must have been much more by roads, for there are mountains and streams between, and they would be several days on the journey. Others went also to the feast from the towns along the way.
The feast lasted seven days, and after that, Joseph and Mary with many others, started home. They supposed Jesus was with some of the relatives or friends in the company. But when evening came they found He was not with them; He had stayed in Jerusalem.
Joseph and Mary turned back to the city, but it was not till the third day that they found Him. Perhaps most boys would have been seeing the markets or shops of the city; that was not where He was found, as you may know, but in the temple of God, listening to the most learned men, called “doctors,” and also asking them questions.
All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers, and no doubt asked who He was.
Jesus’ Father and His Work
Mary told Him they had been very anxious about Him, and asked why He had stayed. He then asked if they did not know that He must be about His Father’s business which was the most necessary thing. The work of His Father which was before Him, was greater, of course, than anyone else ever could do. He was the God-Man.
Jesus then went home with Joseph and Mary, and did as they wished, “He ... was subject unto them.” And it is again told that He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” “Wisdom” is said first, and that was shown by all His words and acts which were told later.
Joseph was a carpenter, and Jesus was called “a carpenter” by people of Nazareth (Mark 6:33Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. (Mark 6:3)). So He knew work on earth, and was honest, truthful and patient. This may comfort those now who wish to honor Him.
Further Meditation
1. How did the people react to the Lord’s answers to questions when He was a boy?
2. Do the Scriptures ever refer to Joseph as the father of the Lord Jesus? How often do the Scriptures refer to God as His Father or to Him as God’s Son? How is this different than a Christian being a son of God?
3. If you are enjoying meditating on the book of Luke then you may find the devotional commentary Notes of Meditations on the Gospel of Luke by J. G. Bellett to be helpful.