UNDAILY Episode 154
Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” He asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
LUKE 2, 41-50 (NIV)
This story is incredibly intriguing and perhaps even controversial. Twelve-year-old Jesus, instead of obediently returning to Nazareth with his parents after the Passover festival, stays in the temple to converse with the Scribes. At first glance, this seems like a classic case of youthful rebellion. But was Jesus disobedient? Let’s consider if sometimes God likes to surprise us a bit. Isn’t it true that true obedience to God involves more than just meeting the expectations of our surroundings, family, friends, or colleagues?
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