We know very little about Jesus’ childhood. The Scriptures are nearly silent concerning the time between his birth and the beginning of his ministry at age 30 (Luke 3:23). We do learn several things from the gospels:

• His parents kept the orthodox Jewish traditions – They are seen going to the Temple for purification, and regularly attended the yearly Feast of the Passover (Luke 2:39-41).

• He lived in Nazareth – A fulfillment to prophecy. Luke 2:51, Matt. 2:23 – This backwater town emphasizes a lowly estate. A modern day saying is someone comes from a “one-horse town.”

• He kept the law, obeying his parents.

• He grew in grace and knowledge and wisdom (Luke 2:40).

Temple Scene at Age 12

One of the best accounts of his childhood is from the Passover Feast at age 12. Several days after Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem they realized that Jesus was not with them. How could they lose their son? Travel in the first century was quite different from today. The roads were not always safe, as many bandits and robbers would lie in wait to attack those traveling alone. (i.e. The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37) Jesus’ parents believed him to be with family and other relatives. Possibly even John the Baptist, his cousin introduced in all four gospels (Matt. 3:1; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:2; John 1:19-23).

When Mary and Joseph return to the Temple they find him sitting, asking questions of the Rabbis. The mark of a learned scholar was not how much you knew, but how well you could ask a question (see Jesus and the Lawyer, Luke 10:25-28).

This account shows that by the age of 12 Jesus was aware of his true Heavenly Father and his earthly purpose. Nevertheless, it is not yet time for him to reveal the entirety of his divine mission, and he submits to his parents.

Teaching