JESUS AT TWELVE YEARS OF AGE

Luke 2:41-45 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And 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. But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him. (Also Read Vss. 46-52)

The verse preceding the lesson text said that, after making their home in Nazareth of Galilee, Jesus grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. God's favor and blessings were with young Jesus as He grew both mentally and physically. Joseph, Mary, and Jesus, as required by Jewish law, went to Jerusalem to attend the feast of the Passover. This was one of three occasions all Jewish adult males are required, by the Mosaic Law, to appear each year before the Lord at His alter in the temple of Jerusalem (Ex. 23:14-17; Deut. 16:16). 1 Samuel 1:22 suggests that females are not required to attend but, according to Jewish history, they often accompanied their husbands on these occasions. Exodus 34:23 tells us that this requirement also extended to all ...men children. At what specific age attendance is required is not specifically stated in Jewish law. The consensus among biblical scholars is at the age of twelve every Jewish male child was referred to as "a son of the law." The lesson text seems to add proof to this theory. However, we are sure it was deemed a requirement at this particular age of Jesus - it was after the custom of the feast.

Passover was observed on the fourteenth day of first month of the Jewish calendar, with the feast of unleavened bread extending through the following seven days (Lev. 23:5-6). And when they had fulfilled the days, Joseph and Mary, without knowing that Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem, began their return back to their home in Nazareth of Galilee. What the circumstances were that caused Joseph and Mary to assume that Jesus was within the company of Jewish travelers returning to Nazareth is not given. Also, Luke does not record whether Jesus' remaining in Jerusalem was spiritually guided or was simply intentional on His part. Joseph and Mary, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day's journey, which bible scholars seem to think was twenty to twenty-five miles. Missing Jesus, after their first day's journey, Joseph and Mary sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance - those that probably journeyed with them from Nazareth, and were now returning together. Not finding him with other traveling companions, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

The first day was spent traveling toward Nazareth, on the second day they returned to Jerusalem, and then on the third day they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions (Vs. 46). Jesus had gathered with the Jewish rabbis, that is, the teachers and instructors of the Jews in all religious matters. Since Jesus was not a descendent of the priestly tribe of Levi, He was more than likely gathered with these Jewish teachers in the court surrounding the temple. This was where the rabbinical priesthood regularly taught the Mosaic Law to Jews of all tribes and nations. To ask questions, as Jesus did, was the customary form of instruction. No doubt, the questions He asked and the answers He gave in their discussions astonished these Jewish religious leaders (Vs. 47).

Finding Jesus, Mary asked Him why He caused them much sorrow by remaining in Jerusalem (Vs. 48). The essence of Jesus' explanation was in the form of another question: Why did you seek after me, don't you know I must be about My Father's business (Vs. 49)? With this statement we find for the first time in the life of Jesus that He is aware, and acknowledges, that He is the Son of God. And, further, that He is carrying out His Godly assigned mission to establish the hope of eternal salvation throughout the world. This statement was heard but not understood by either Joseph, or Mary, or any of the Jewish leaders present on this occasion (Vs. 50). With this being done, Jesus returned with Joseph and Mary to Nazareth, and remained subject unto them. Although Mary did not fully understand the things Jesus said before the Jewish leaders, she continued to remember them by holding them dearly in her heart (Vs. 51). Jesus grew up in Nazareth continuing to increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Vs. 52).