BCP Epiphany 1 - Luke 2:41-52

Luke 2: 41: Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42: And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43: And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44: But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45: And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46: And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47: And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48: And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49: And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50: And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51: And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52: And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Those of us who are parents can imagine the horror that Joseph and Mary felt when they discovered that their child was not with their party of pilgrims returning from the Passover. Luke records some events from Mary's perspective and she was clearly , directly or indirectly, one of his sources. 51: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Jesus' absence did not suggest they had been negligent. Indeed, Luke's record of this event shows the godly character of Jesus' parents in attending all of the feast every year. It was usual for a group of pilgrims to travel together for company and safety. The men and women would usually be in their own groups and Joseph and Mary may have assumed that Jesus was with the other.

At the age of thirteen Jewish boys became responsible for their actions and, at age 12, they would receive intensive preparation for adulthood.

I recently saw a clip of the Jay Leno show. He was speaking to a four year old girl and questioning her about the members of the United States government. She got every question right without hesitation. This was very impressive but that type of "parrot fashion" learning is not enough. True knowledge and wisdom is a lot deeper.

The religious knowledge and understanding of the twelve year old Jesus astounded the religious teachers of the day. I wonder if any of them were still there twenty years later when the adult Jesus confounded them with his understanding of God's will?

Joseph and Mary are astonished for another reason. They could not believe that their son caused them such grief. 48: And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. In contrast Jesus is calm and he shows that already he has a knowledge of who he is and of his purpose in life.

Jesus honoured his earthly father, Joseph, 51: And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them

However, we observe Jesus' knowledge that his true father is God.

49: And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Jesus calling is to follow the will of God the Father and so it is natural for him to be in the temple, the centre of Jewish worship, discussing theology with the experts. Developing his own understanding and also challenging the experts' knowledge of God. The reason why the young Jesus could astound the experts is that whilst they were older, had more experience and perhaps had read and studied more, He had a personal relationship with the one whom they were studying.

Everyone needs the opportunity to ask questions about the Christian faith, which is why we are starting an "Alpha Course" this Thursday evening. It is still not too late to enroll !! I have led a number of these courses and have been encouraged by the way God uses them to bring people on in their faith. I have also benefited from discussing the difficult questions that have arisen in these groups.

There is, perhaps some tension between Jesus declaring who he is and what his mission is and his relationship with his parents, especially Joseph. At this stage Joseph and Mary do not understand but this, and other things were retained by Mary who appreciated the full significance of them much later. 51b. but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. I imagine many a parent of a believing child may be mystified at times. Especially if their own faith is not as developed as it could be.

In this account Luke continues to build his picture of Jesus.

He is fully human. He grew up in a human family. He went through different stages of physical and mental development. From a boy to a man. From listening to wisdom to dispensing it.

Thomas Watson "A cloud over the sun makes no change in the body of the sun; so, though the divine nature be covered with the human, it makes no change in the divine nature."

Jesus is fully God, even though this is even hidden from his parents who knew about his miraculous conception and extraordinary birth. Jesus is declaring that His true father is God. He is, even at this age, choosing to follow the will of His heavenly father. This pattern is repeated in the ministry of Jesus who would teach everyone, tax collectors, sinners, and teachers of the law, the ways of God.

Jesus obedience to God would lead Him to submit to being killed on the cross. Only a short distance from the temple where every year spotless passover lambs were sacrificed, Jesus the sinless lamb of God was sacrificed once to take away the sins of the world.

Mary Had The Little Lamb

Mary had the little Lamb, who lived before His birth;
Self-existent Son of God, from Heaven He came to Earth.

Micah 5:2

Mary had the little Lamb; see Him in yonder stall --
Virgin-born Son of God, to save man from the Fall.

Isaiah 7:14

Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God;
Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod.

John 6:38

Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree
The rejected Son of God, He died to set men free.

1 Peter 1:18

Mary had the little Lamb -- men placed Him in the grave,
Thinking they were done with Him; to death He was no slave!

Matthew 28:6

Mary had the little Lamb, ascended now is He;
All work on Earth is ended, our Advocate to be.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Mary had the little Lamb -- mystery to behold!
From the Lamb of Calvary, a Lion will unfold.

Revelation 5: 5,6

When the Day Star comes again, of this be very sure:
It won't be Lamb-like silence, but with the Lion's roar.

Psalm 2:12; Revelation 19:11-16

Marv & Marbeth Rosenthal - Copies of this poem may be used without written permission from the authors.