What and Who Jesus Knew

This account of the 12-year-old Jesus is not found in any of the other gospels. In the story, we see Mary and Joseph’s commitment to their faith as they went to Jerusalem for the Passover every year. Though this was required of every Jew, few could afford the finances and time to make the trip.

According to the Mishnah, the first major work of Rabbinic Judaism, Jesus’ religious instruction would have become more intense at the age of 12. The depth of Jesus’ knowledge surprised “everyone who heard him” (v 47). And when his parents finally found him in the temple, they were amazed. It’s not clear if they were amazed about his knowledge or the fact that he had chosen to stay behind in Jerusalem and caused them to worry. Probably both.

Mary and Joseph may each have assumed that Jesus was with the other parent. He was of that intermediate age where he might have been with the women and children or with the men and the older boys. His progress from child to adult is even seen in the words “The child grew” (v 40) and “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature” (v 52). Jesus’ question regarding why his parents had to look for him, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (v 49) reveals much about what he understood about himself, even if his earthly parents couldn’t understand him.

This story isn’t about what Jesus knew about God but that he knew God, knew him as Father. As we continue to form spiritually, perhaps we can borrow a discipline from Mary who “kept on thinking about all that had happened,” much like she did in Luke 1:19 soon after Jesus’ birth.

Respond in Prayer

Lord God, I confess that I still have much to learn about who Jesus is. I thank you that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I can ponder and wonder, just as Mary did, and come to know and understand your Son more deeply, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Sarah Patterson