January 21
"Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem... But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers." -Luke 2:41-47 (NLT)
Have you ever lost something precious to you? Losing a child must be even more terrifying. We can identify with how Jesus' parents must have felt yet may also wonder how this could possibly have happened? Travel was required from the small towns all over Israel to the Temple in Jerusalem for major festivals such as Passover. The women and children usually would travel at the front of the caravan, with men bringing up the rear. A 12-year-old boy could have been in either group, so both Mary and Joseph probably assumed Jesus was with the other one. But when the caravan left Jerusalem, the preoccupied Jesus stayed behind, absorbed in his discussion with the religious leaders.
The Temple courts were famous in Judea as respected places of learning. The apostle Paul studied in Jerusalem, probably also in the revered temple courts, under Gamaliel, one of its greatest teachers. (Ac.2:23) Historically at Passover, the greatest Jewish rabbis gathered to teach and discuss great truths. The expected Messiah would have been a vital topic, for all expected him soon. At 12 years of age, Jesus was expected to become a man in Jewish society after examination and approval by the rabbis. It wasn't Jesus' age but the depth of his knowledge that astounded these famous revered rabbis. Does Jesus wisdom still astound you? It should!
Prayer: God, Thank you for the wisdom Jesus gives. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Jesus knowledge is still amazing today!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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