Jesus in His Temple as a Child

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. And 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. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And 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. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. Luke 2:41-50

Steps: 1, 2, 3, 11, 12

When Jesus was 12 years, old enough to be a participant in religious activities in Israel, Jesus’ parents brought Him to Jerusalem to participate in the Passover sacrifices in the time of March-April. Jesus participated in the whole ritual and recognized His role in the Passover services and knew that in the providences of His Father in heaven He would someday be the real Passover Lamb of God and have to be sacrificed for mankind. When the services were done His family headed back to Nazareth and were not aware that Jesus was not with them. After three days they found Him and He was teaching in the temple. Jesus’ parents heard Him interacting with the professors of the temple school and all were amazed and His understanding and His answers to questions. When Mary and Joseph finally got Jesus alone they chastised them by asking Him why He had not come with them. Jesus corrected them and reproved them for losing Him by saying that He was doing the work that His True Father in heaven had called Him to do, while they had gotten caught up in the celebration. Jesus was telling them that He recognized Who He was but they did not understand what He had said to them.

Prayer for Today: Help us to recognize that many things are going on around us and many times we do not understand what You are doing for us and in us. Help us to trust You that You have a plan and that we will be blessed if we will just stick with You and allow You to communicate with us. Thank You for Your special gifts to us.