Jesus had just turned twelve and it was time for him to be presented at Jerusalem according to the custom that God had ordered of the Israelites many years before. Going to Jerusalem was an annual event for his family but Jesus was especially excited about this trip. He danced and pranced around his parents and among the others they travelled with on their way to Jerusalem.
There were other twelve year olds there also and Jesus excitedly discussed the upcoming event with them. “I’ve been waiting all my life for this,” he would say. He loved to be doing what God’s word told him to do.
It was always exciting at Jerusalem. With large crowds, all the fanfare, and the joyful singing and dancing that took place at the temple. It was very, very busy with so many sacrifices and so many ordinances to be fulfilled, the children and parents were sure to go home exhausted after so much activity.
So it was a tired Joseph and Mary who began the return trip to Nazareth. They hardly noticed that Jesus wasn’t with them and were thankful that he left them in peace.
“He must be playing with the others,” Joseph assured Mary.
The next morning Mary looked for Jesus to give him breakfast but she could not find him. She became frantic and, together with Joseph asked around if anyone had seen him. It seemed no one had.
Slowly making their way back to Jerusalem they arrived at the temple three days later. Here they found Jesus sitting, debating with the Jewish leaders. They were amazed at his clear understanding and concise answers to their questions.
Joseph and Mary were surprised to find him still there and Mary scolded him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been worried sick trying to find you.”
Jesus, a little startled at her hurt, answered, “Why did you have to look for me? Didn’t you realise I would be in my father’s house doing his work?”
But Jesus went back to Nazareth with them and lived as their son. Mary often pondered on what he had said to her.
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This sparks a question I have had for years. Have you ever wondered why we have no biblical record of Jesus's teen years and even thru his 20's. I have pondered this and all I have come up with is that he was being prepared for his public ministry beginning at 30. Any comments? Revelations?
Before I forget, I enjoyed this short story. GOD BLESS YOU.
