TEXT: Luke 2: 41–52
Sexagesima Sunday
- 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.
- When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
- but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
- So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
- Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
- And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
- So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
- And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
- But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
- Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart.
- And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
The level of commitment of Joseph and Mary to the Jewish Laws and traditions is evident from Luke 2:39-42. They were not casual worshippers. It is noteworthy that they carried their Son along (Luke 2: 39 – 43). The Scripture states in Prov. 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Many parents do not heed to this Biblical injunction.
One of the secrets of Jesus' spiritual growth (vs. 40 & 52), was his total submission to the dictates of his parents in spite of his divine nature. He was obedient (v51). Hence Christ increased in spirit, wisdom, grace, stature, favour with God and men (vs. 39–40; 51–52). Christian parents who desire their children to grow in the wisdom of God should show them the way to God. Conversely, any child who wants to grow in wisdom and grace should submit to the leading of their Christian parents (Jer. 29: 13). Read Eph. 6: 1–4. It is not surprising that Christ stayed back in the temple (vs. 41–47). This is the result of constant exposure to the reading and teaching of the Scriptures.
Prayer: Almighty God, teach us peace, wisdom and faith in our homes so that we may work mutually to produce worthy children, Amen.