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Luke gives us the only recorded account of Jesus’ childhood. To see the fuller picture of those early years, it also helps to read Matthew 2, where we find the wise men, the escape into Egypt and the family’s return. The Gospel accounts work together, reminding us to compare Scripture with Scripture.
When Jesus was twelve, His family travelled to Jerusalem for Passover. This feast remembered God’s deliverance from Egypt, when the blood of the lamb sheltered His people from judgement. It also pointed ahead to Jesus, our true Passover Lamb, through whom we receive forgiveness and new life.
On the journey home, Mary and Joseph discovered that Jesus was not with their travelling company. After searching anxiously, they found Him in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking questions. Those who heard Him were astonished by His understanding. When Mary spoke of their concern, Jesus answered, “Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
These first recorded words of Jesus are also a challenge for us. There comes a time when faith must move beyond “I probably should” to “I must”. Yet Jesus also returned home and remained subject to Mary and Joseph. Devotion to the Father’s work should produce humility, not pride. May we grow in wisdom, obedience and a willing desire to be about our Father’s business.
