“Every year Jesus’ parents went to worship at Jerusalem during the Passover festival. When Jesus turned twelve, His parents took Him to Jerusalem to observe the Passover, as was their custom” (Luke 2:41-42)

This visit to Jerusalem became a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life and of His family, especially His mother Mary. The first insight we receive is the consistency of His parents. It “was their custom” to go to Jerusalem to worship. Unknowingly, they took the child Jesus to a place where His passions would be awakened and His earthly purpose began to unveil. It was a frantic moment though when “Joseph and Mary realized that Jesus was missing” (Luke 2:43). Their emotions almost made them not realise what was unfolding in His life. Mary said: “Son, Your father and I have searched for you everywhere! We have been worried sick over not finding you. Why would you do this to us?”

Understandably, they were worried. They had been “separated from him for three days” (Luke 2:46) and none asked Jesus how He fared during those days. They were overwhelmed by what they had to go through or maybe being labelled as irresponsible parents, but Jesus responded: “Why would you need to search for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be here in my Father’s house, consumed with him?” (Luke 2:49). They didn’t understand what He said, but Mary “treasured Jesus’ words deeply in her heart” (Luke 2:51). This posture by Mary came alive in Cana (John 2) where Jesus did His first miracle. May God help us to understand the postures and words of every child. Amen!

BeEncouraged❤ Freely Received. Freely Give