A Lesson from the Life of Young Jesus

Guest Post by Don Haddix

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

Luke 2:46

And he said to them “Why were you looking for me?  Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.  And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them.  And his mother treasured up these things in her heart.  And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

Luke 2:49-52

The past few weeks our pastor has been leading us through the book of Luke.  Several weeks into the study we finally got to meet the young Jesus at twelve years of age. His parents had “lost” him on their trip home from observing Passover.   

With three children and eleven grand-children, it is always interesting when we go off on a trip together.  Any time we stop somewhere for an adventure, all the adults warn the grands, “Don’t go wandering off with grandpa, he’ll lose you!”  I’ll admit I do tend to wander off, but in my defense I’m a curious sort.  And… I’ve only lost one of my children (for a few seconds) in all the trips I’ve taken with them. 

A Fresh Insight

It’s a familiar passage of Scripture, His parents discover that He is missing, go back to look for Him, and find Him in the Temple.  But this time, I noticed something beyond the “search.”

I noticed what Jesus is doing. He is listening to the teachers and asking them questions (Luke 2:46). His earthly ministry has not yet started. He is a young twelve years old.

How much can we, as grandparents, learn from this? Especially grandfathers!

What Does This Mean for Me?

Typically, men want to “fix” things, right now – even before we learn the scope of a problem. Instead of jumping into “fix it” mode, we need to step back and listen. It is important that we understand the problems and struggles of our grandchildren. What they are experiencing is paramount.

We need to learn the art of asking questions – not one-word answer questions, but those that will allow them to let us see into their heart.

Additionally, we need to work at being present with our grandchildren. They need to know that we care and are truly interested in what they think and feel.

Our involvement, our presence will help our grandchildren grow in wisdom as Jesus did in verse 52.  And it will do the same for us.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.

Luke 2:52