THE HIDDEN YEARS OF JESUS

LUKE 2

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men

(Luke 2:52).

The New Testament tells us next to nothing about the years between the birth of Jesus and His entrance into His public ministry. In the early days of the church, this lack of information was filled in by some heretical groups who made up fantastic miracle stories about the childhood of Jesus. Christians today also find it frustrating to know so little about Jesus as He was growing up.

The Infancy of Jesus

We do have a few stories, however, each of which is significant. In Luke 2:21, we are told that Jesus was circumcised on His eighth day, and was officially named “Jesus” on that day. Thirty-two days later, Mary came to the temple in Jerusalem for the ritual of purification prescribed in Leviticus 12. At the same time, Jesus was presented in the temple and set apart as all firstborn sons were required to be (Exodus 13:2, 12; Luke 2:22–24).

We notice that Mary’s purification sacrifice was not a lamb but rather two birds. This was a provision in Leviticus 12 for the poor, who could not afford a lamb. This tells us that Mary and Joseph were not wealthy, were not part of the functioning aristocracy. They were poor members of the “common folk.”

The Childhood of Jesus

But perhaps the most well-known and beloved stories from Jesus’ childhood is the account of His visit to the temple when He was 12 (Luke 2:41–51). Jesus had stayed behind when Joseph and Mary went home, and after three days they found Him in the temple. When they asked Him why He had done this, He said, “Why were you searching for Me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Jesus’ first recorded words reveal His mission: to be about His Father’s business. He never deviated from that course.

CORAM DEO

Jesus loved His Father’s house and lived His whole life doing His Father’s business. How about you? Do you love the people of God, the church, and are you going about His business? If you have deviated from this goal ask God to refocus your desires and energy.

For further study: Psalm 122; Philippians 1:12–30

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