Jesus as a boy

When we left the story yesterday, the Magi (wise men) had just visited Jesus and his family, bringing very expensive gifts. That same night, Joseph had a dream in which an angel of the Lord appeared and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt” (Matt. 2:13). Later, Matthew 2:19 tells us that Jesus returned from Egypt after Herod’s death, but the full reasons for this divine detour are not revealed.

What is clear is that Jesus was being formed during those toddler years. He and his family were likely cultural outsiders in Egypt, surrounded by unfamiliar customs and languages. It probably wasn't the place Joseph would have chosen to raise his young family. But what would happen next? Today’s readings follow the family’s return from Egypt and introduce the boy Jesus as they make their yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Come and see what unfolds.

Questions from your reading

• In what ways did Jesus grow as a human being?
• During the conversation with the religious leaders, what was Jesus doing?
• Was Jesus teaching the religious leaders, or learning from them?
• What other questions come to mind?

Reflecting on your reading

As the family leaves Egypt and returns to Israel, Joseph is again guided by a dream—this time to settle in Nazareth. But why Nazareth? What good could come from such an obscure place? The people there likely knew about Mary and Joseph’s “situation” with the sudden marriage. But their plans were never just about appearances; they were about God’s purpose.

In Nazareth, Jesus would have continued his education in the synagogue, likely under the watchful eye of a local religious teacher. He may have begun asking the deeper questions that arise in young minds:

• “Why don’t I share any features with my father Joseph?”
• “Why do I only resemble my mother, Mary?”
• “Why don’t I have my grandfather’s or father’s name?”
• “Where did this name ‘Jesus’ come from?”
• “Why do I have so much in common with the Messiah?”

These are the kinds of questions a thoughtful twelve-year-old might wrestle with.

Each year, Jesus’ family made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. But this year was different. Jesus was now twelve—old enough to ask questions and engage with the religious leaders of his time.

“After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46).

What might those conversations have sounded like? What questions did Jesus ask? And how did the teachers respond?

Maybe it sounded something like this:

Jesus: Is it true that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem of Judah?

Teachers: Yes, of course, young man. All faithful Jews know what is written in Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.”

Jesus: But isn’t it also true that the Messiah will come out of Egypt?

Teachers: Silly boy, we just told you he would come from Bethlehem! How could he come from two places?

Old priest from the back: Hold on a moment… the boy may have a point. Yes, Hosea 11:1 says, “…and out of Egypt I called my son.”

(All are astonished.)

Jesus: So… what if the Messiah were born in Bethlehem, but then—due to unusual circumstances—his family had to flee to Egypt, and later returned? Could that explain both prophecies?

(All are amazed.)

Jesus: You know… I was born in Bethlehem, and my family lived in Egypt for a while...

Applying what you’ve read

Luke 2:47 says, “Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” Has there ever been a time when Jesus amazed you?

One remarkable detail about this season of Jesus’ life is what Scripture says in two verses:

“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).

“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

Talk about the humanity of Jesus! He grew in every way—just like any other child. To those around him—his family, teachers, and neighbours—he looked, sounded, and acted fully human. And that’s because he was.

What a stunning truth: God became like us.

Take a few moments to reflect on and thank Jesus for entering into humanity in this way. Then share what you’ve learned today with at least two other people.