February 28
“And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him . . . When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem . . . After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions . . . He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them . . . And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men,” Luke 2:40, 42-43, 46, 51-52.
The Scripture quoted above is the only record we have of Jesus’ youth. Both at the beginning and the ending of the quoted Scripture, reference is made to Jesus’ physical, spiritual, and intellectual growth. Specific reference is made to His physical growth and to His acquiring of knowledge as a true young man. The all-knowing, almighty Son of God increased in wisdom and physical stature or growth. Both the divinity and the humanity of Jesus are clearly taught in the Bible.
In this instance, Jesus went to Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph when He was twelve years old to celebrate the Old Testament Feast of the Passover. They did this regularly every year. When the days of the Festival were ended, Joseph and Mary started on their way home. But Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. At the end of the first day’s journey they looked for Jesus among their relatives and acquaintances. They could not find him. Then they started their journey back to Jerusalem. After three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the religious teachers. He was listening to them and desiring to learn more; He was asking questions. There was evidence of His humanity. However, every one who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and answers. There was evidence of His divinity.
As a growing youth, Jesus gives a wonderful example to all youth also in our day. At the age of twelve years, He went to the temple for worship and to hear and learn more from the Word of God. Frequently in our day it is customary for many youth to neglect worship and to stay away from God’s house. They would rather do what we call ‘youthful things.’ Fortunately, after a certain length of time, sometimes years, many of them return to the Christian faith which they had once embraced! Thank God!
As a youth, Jesus also gives a wonderful example to youth today with reference to honoring and obeying parents. Mary admonished her Son and asked, “Why have you done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” She received an answer, which, of course, she did not understand. “He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them,” Luke 2:49-50.
Following the example of Jesus, both youth and adults today should be about the Father’s business. What is that business? Believing and trusting in Him as the Son of God and our Savior. At every opportunity that presents itself, we should be witnessing to others of God’s love for us sinners through Jesus Christ. He fulfilled where we so often fail and He suffered and died on the cross to pay the price for our redemption. He rose again from the grave and conquered sin, death, and the devil for us and He opened the gate of heaven for us.
Through His Word in Holy Scripture, He stands with outstretched arms, pleading and calling, “Come unto Me!” and He promises love, peace, pardon, and forgiveness for all sins and for all sinners. Respond to His call by believing in Him!
“Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me;
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.” Amen.