Jesus was born on
earth as a baby, and grew up as a child, just like you and I. So He understands
what it is like to be a kid. And He didn’t have it all easy. His family had to
move because Herod wanted Him killed. He lived in a foreign country for a while,
and then in Galilee, in a town called Nazareth. Nazareth wasn’t the favorite
place to live. The Jews looked down upon Nazarenes as poor and not “pure” Jews.
Jesus’ father was a carpenter. His family was not rich. He had younger brothers
and sisters. Not everyone understood who He was, that he was the son of God.
Only a few did. Luke 2:40 “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” What does that mean? Strong is spirit means mentally and spiritually strong. Wisdom is understanding. The grace of God means that God was pleased with Him for His obedience.
Every year, Jesus’ family went to Jerusalem to worship in the Temple like God told all the Jews to do. When Jesus was twelve, his family made the trip, and were on the way back to Galilee when they realized He wasn’t with them! They went back to Jerusalem and searched for Him for three days! Can you imagine how frantic they must have been! Jerusalem was a big city. Can you guess where they finally found Jesus? In the Temple. He was studying with the scribes and priests there. They were grown men who studied the law of Moses. Jesus was asking questions, and listening, and answering questions Himself.
The Bible says in Luke 2:42 that He was “sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” When His parents found Him they were relieved and upset. His mother asked Him what He thought He was doing. He answered, “I must be about my Father’s business.” What father did He mean? Joseph was a carpenter. He meant God. So even at a young age, Jesus knew that studying God’s word and doing what was right was very important. Can you study and learn from God’s word? Of course.
The Bible goes on to say that Jesus went back with His parents and obeyed them, following the commandment to honor your father and mother. How can we honor our father and mother today? We can obey them, tell them the truth, do nice things for them, and not say anything bad about them. Jesus did these things and the Bible says he “increased in stature and wisdom, and in favor with God and men.” When we do what is right, both God and men will be happy with us.
Questions for Review