Scripture to Read: Luke 2:41–52
God had Luke write in Luke 2:41–52 about Christ growing up and that at the age of twelve, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast of the Passover (Exodus 12:11, Exodus 23:15, Deuteronomy 16:1–6). When Mary and Joseph got ready to return home, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but Mary and Joseph thought He was in the caravan of people that they had traveled with to Jerusalem. After traveling all day, Mary and Joseph tried to find Jesus among their relatives and friends. When Jesus was not found, they went back to Jerusalem to find Him. They searched for three days and finally found Him in the temple. It’s hard to imagine what Mary and Joseph felt as they searched for Jesus. Jesus was sitting with the teachers, both listening and asking questions. It says this in Luke 2:47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. The teachers and people were blown away by Jesus, especially since He was only twelve years old. Mary and Joseph confronted Him, as any parent would. Jesus said in Luke 2:49, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” At this point, this didn’t make sense to them. Jesus returned with them and submitted to them as His earthly parents (Ephesians 6:1–3). Jesus grew in “wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). We must grow in Christ, for He is our wisdom.
Challenge & Application
What evidence do you see that Jesus is God as you read through Luke 2:41–52?
What evidence do you see that Jesus was also 100% human, and how did He honor His earthly parents?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!