The next scene with Mary and Joseph, although just listed as Jesus’ parents rather than by their name, was when Jesus was 12 years of age. They had traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. When it was time to go home, Jesus somehow didn’t get the message that the family was ready to travel. He was in the Temple listening to the teachers and asking them questions.
Joseph and Mary traveled with the large number of their family and friends, caravan style. They didn’t get upset right away when they couldn’t find Jesus. After all he was 12 years old, and just like today’s 12 year olds he would have wandered around and gotten absorbed in what was going on around him. After looking for him for a full day while traveling, Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was not with the caravan and they returned to Jerusalem.
Carefully, they walked around Jerusalem, asking everyone they met if they had seen Jesus. They would have carefully described what he looked like, what clothes he was wearing, some of the ways he might be interacting with those around him, anything they could think of that would help them find their son.
Before I go on with the Bible story, I want to take time to think of how this event would have impacted Mary, Jesus’ mother. If your child ended up missing for more than 24 hours, what thoughts would be going through your mind? I know I would start out frustrated that I hadn’t managed to keep a closer watch on the child. After all, kids will be kids and keeping up with them is my responsibility as a parent. Maybe he had been kidnapped. Maybe he was hurt. So many possibilities.
Today, I hope that my first thought when I recognized that my child wasn’t where I could see him (regardless of how many or how few minutes had passed since I had last seen him) would have been to stop and ask God for guidance and to protect my child until I could reach him. Mary would have had the typical upbringing of Jewish young women. They were taught that only priests could communicate with God. How frustrating that would have been to think that I wasn’t special enough to God to be allowed to talk to him whenever I needed his help.
After three days of looking for Jesus, his parents found him in the temple. He was sitting with the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Then Dr. Luke gives this statement :All who heard Him were amazed by His intelligence and His understanding and His answers.” Luke 2:47 (AMP) So, he wasn’t just listening and asking them questions, but he was also answering some of their questions. Well, Mary and Joseph, just like any parent, was greatly relieved to see their son. Then, just like any other parent, they started challenging the child for not being where he was supposed to be.
“When they saw Him, they were overwhelmed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Listen, Your father and I have been [greatly distressed and] anxiously looking for You.” Luke 2:48 (AMP)
I’ve heard individuals discussing this story and while in today’s world we think of a 12 year old as a young child who needs extra guidance. However, take a moment to think of this in Jewish culture. A boy at the age of 12 had reached the age of accountability. He was then treated as a young man after his 12th birthday, personally answerable to God for his actions. Even today in traditional Jewish culture, when a child reaches the age of 12 or 13, they are determined to be responsible for following Jewish law and traditions. I wonder if we do our children a disservice by not holding them accountable for their actions much sooner than we do.
Jesus respectfully answered Mary. “And He answered, “Why did you have to look for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 (AMP) In other words, “Hey, mom and dad, don’t you remember the angels’ visit to both of you, telling you who my real parentage is?” But Mary and Joseph didn’t understand what Jesus was trying to remind them. How many times do I not understand what God is trying to remind me of … his love, his protection, his resources beyond measure, etc.?
The next verse is important to remember. “He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:51 (AMP) With all the commotion settling down, Mary took time to ponder, to treasure all that had happened and allowed the Holy Spirit to help her to have peace and contentment even when she couldn’t see how God was going to fulfill the angels’ promises.
What can I learn from this snapshot of Mary’s life? When all is in turmoil and I can’t find peace of mind (whether about where my child is, whether they have learned to trust God, whether they even care about their parents … when all is unrest, I can trust my Heavenly Father to always be there. He knows the answers I am searching for and when I come into His presence, seeking answers and contentment, he will take care of me and lead me in His paths, according to His plan for me for all eternity.
Thank you Heavenly Father for loving each of us so much that you gave us parents to watch over us until we are old enough and mature enough to make right decisions about our God that will affect us throughout all eternity. Help us to understand you more.
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 6/3/25, 7:15pm