Sequence in Chronology: 3 of 26
Topics Covered: Jesus grows up and gains favor with God and man, at twelve years old Jesus and his family go to Jerusalem for the spring feasts, Jesus astonishes teachers at Jerusalem's temple, Mary chastises her son for his behavior, the Lord reveals he knows his real Father is God, the source of Luke's writing about Jesus' early life.
Bible References: Matthew 2:13 - 23, Luke 2:40 - 52.
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Jesus Grows Up
As Jesus grew up physically he also grew in wisdom. He additionally increased in favor with both God and humans. These characteristics were so important that they are mentioned twice in relation to the Lord's early life!
And the little Child grew and became strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him . . .
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:40, 52).
Spring 9 A.D.
Jesus at Twelve
Three of the four Gospel writers are silent regarding Jesus' life from the age of about six months until he turns thirty. We have Luke to thank, however, for offering us a glimpse into his early life (Luke 2:40 - 52).
Jesus is twelve years old in 9 A.D. He travels with his parents, relatives and acquaintances to Jerusalem to celebrate the spring Holy Days.
Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. (Luke 2:40 - 42).
In 9 A.D. the Passover fell from sunset on March 28 to sunset the next day. The Feast of Unleavened Bread took place from sunset March 29 to sunset April 5 (Friday). Sunset April 5 was the start of the weekly Sabbath.
According to Jewish tradition, the maximum allowable distance a person could travel on the Sabbath is about half a mile (.91 kilometers) (Acts 1:12, Joshua 3:4). Since the distance to Nazareth was far longer than this, it is certain that Jesus' family and relatives did not leave Jerusalem until at least April 7 (Sunday).
Where Is Jesus?
Mary and Joseph, after the Feast ends, leave Jerusalem assuming Jesus is among family also departing. They are soon shocked to discover that he is nowhere to be found!
Unbeknownst to his parents, Jesus did not leave Jerusalem like the rest of his family after the spring Holy Days (Luke 2:41 - 45). He had stayed behind in the temple carefully listening to what the priests said and asking questions.
But when they departed after completing the days, the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and His mother did not know it;
But supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and looked for Him among the relatives and among the acquaintances. And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. (Luke 2:43 - 45).
Astonishing the Experts
Jesus' profound understanding of God's law, even though only twelve years old, astonished and amazed those who were teachers!
Now it came to pass that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them. And all those who were listening to Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers (Luke 2:46 - 47).
Jesus' parents, after rushing back to Jerusalem, find him at the temple engrossed in theological discussions. Mary then chides her son for the panic he caused.
Son, why have You dealt with us in this manner? Look, Your father and I have been very distressed while searching for You (Luke 2:48).
Jesus responds to the correction by questioning his parents' behavior.
Why is it that you were looking for Me? Don't you realize that I must be about My Father's business? (Luke 2:49).
Revealing Facts
The events Luke records when Christ was twelve reveal several fascinating facts. They tell us Jesus fully understood, at a young age, that God (not Joseph) was his true Father. He also was aware, certainly as a basic level, why he was born and what was his mission. He knew the purpose of his life was to fulfill God's will for him.
This peek into Jesus' early life also highlights that Mary and Joseph, even after more than a decade, had yet to fully grasp their son's true identity or their part in God's plan of salvation. Luke 2 also shows Joseph lived to Christ's twelfth birthday but died sometime before the Lord turned thirty.
Going Home
Jesus submits himself to his parents and travels back to Nazareth (Luke 2:51).
How Did Luke Know?
Why is Luke the only one of the four gospel writers to record events in Jesus' life after he was a baby but before his ministry began? Where did he get his information?
Matthew and John's gospel was based on their personal experiences during Jesus' ministry. Mark's gospel was heavily influenced by Peter. Luke, however, could not rely on his personal witness of Jesus' life as he did not become a Christian until more than a decade after the Lord's ascension!
Luke more than made up for his lack of being a personal witness of Jesus' life by doing research! He compiled his book not only from existing written records (Luke 1:1 - 4), but also from the plethora of witnesses who were still alive (see 1Corinthians 15:6). One of these witnesses was Jesus' mother Mary. Luke interviewed Mary, perhaps several times, to get first person details about the Lord's life no one else had!
Luke records events such as Gabriel visiting Mary (Luke 1:26 - 38), Mary staying with Elizabeth for three months (verses 39 - 56), and other details of Jesus' birth (see Luke 2) not found elsewhere. What took place when the Lord was just 12 years old stood out in Mary's memory. It was Luke's access to her that led to his interesting glimpse into Jesus' early life.