Luke 2:40-5240And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:40‑52)
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 up on Him.”
There is but the 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, and 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 inquired who He was.
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, the most necessary thing. The work of His Father which was before Him, was greater, of course, than any one 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 wiom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” “Wisdom” is said first, and that was shown by all His words and acts, told later.
Joseph was a carpenter, and Jesus was called “a carpenter” by people of Nazareth (Matt. 13:55,55Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55) Mk. 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 host, truthful, and patient. This may comfort boys and young people now who wish to honor Him.
ML 10/22/1944