Luke 2:41-52

Of the dozens of accounts from the life of Jesus that could have been depicted in stained glass, the small collection of windows in our church’s chapel includes “The Boy Jesus in the Temple”.

And of the dozens of accounts from the life of Jesus that could have been retold in a story Bible, the editors of the Spark Story Bible include this account of the boy Jesus for their readers.

After setting the stage of how Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem by his family, they continue like this:

Mary and Joseph were frantic! They quickly walked back to Jerusalem looking for him. They searched the city high and low for three whole days until they found Jesus in the Temple. Mary and Joseph were surprised at what they saw. Jesus was in the Temple, talking with teachers more than twice his age! He was just a boy, but he could talk about God with a room full of grown-ups! The teachers in the Temple were impressed with what Jesus knew. Mary and Joseph were proud, but they were still a bit angry with Jesus. “Jesus, why weren’t you with us? We have been looking all over for you,” Mary and Joseph exclaimed.

Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you understand that I was in my Father’s house?

Wo was Jesus? He was someone who knew God’s word and could discuss it even as a youth. And he was God’s child.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, let us learn and discuss Your word every day, as we join Jesus in claiming our place as Your children. Amen.