Mary & Jose as was the custom went to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover, & this year Jesus being 12 years old would no doubt be celebrating his Bar-Mitzvah, the jewish tradition of a child coming of age, or a time that every child is recognized for having a mature mind of spiritual understanding and accountability.
The story says that upon their return both Mary & Joseph did not realize that Jesus had been left behind. Now the customs for journeying in those days was that the men traveled faster then woman and children, so it was customary for the woman and children to get a head start so to speak, traveling about a day ahead of the men, and Mary no doubt must have thought that Jesus because he wasnt with her was with Joseph, and when Joseph began his journey later he must have thought Jesus is with Mary, so when Joseph caught up they both realized that neither one had him.
So the question is what are we to do when realize weve left something or someone behind? Well very simply put you go back to where you last had him. Jesus in Revelation chapter 2:5 in speaking to the church of Ephesus writes: 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works Theres a time when even though Jesus says I will never leave you nor forsake you that you feel as though Hes not there, as if Hes a distant memory from when you felt His presence, His love, His total involvement in your life, and it is at this same time that Jesus is saying go back to where you last left me, why because thats were youll find me. Do your first works again, repeat what you used to do when you were aware of my presence, go back and do those things again, go back, go back, go back, this is the key.
The story continues in verse 46 and says that after 3 days they found Him in the temple. It would take 3 days for Jesus to rise from the dead, no doubt Jesus was preparing Mary, its how God works in our lives, we often go through something in preparation for something to come.
In verse 49 we read the first words recorded in the Bible spoken by Jesus, this is called the law of the first, extremely significant through out the Bible and what were Jesus first words recorded in the Bible? Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Fathers business?" He utters what is most important to Him, My Fathers Business, amazing isnt it. The verse continues that they did not get it but very importantly in verse 50 we read that He was subject to them, to whom did he submit himself to? To Mary & Joseph. Now question, was Jesus smarter than them at this point, of course, did he know the Bible more, of course, was he a better person, of course, He was God walking in the flesh, but have a look very closely, He was subject to them how can this be? Its called being humble, God calls us to submit ourselves to our spouses, to our parents, and we find this very hard because we think were better, or more worthy, but submission is not submission if you do not agree. Submit yourselves and abide by your spouse, or children to your parents.
Lastly at the end of verse 52 it says And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men This ought to be every parents goal for their children.
God Bless you!!
