As a Child​

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by David G. Rose

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     As an adult, we often remember the days of our childhood. Maybe a special birthday party or when we learned to ride a bike stands out in our memory. Those are treasured memories.

     But when we study the early life of Jesus, little is known of His childhood. From His infancy until age 30, the only incident that was recorded was in Luke 2:41-52 at the age of 12. It is an account of when his parents brought Him to Jerusalem at the Passover. 

     As you remember, Jesus became separated from his parents and they looked for Him for about three days. They eventually found Him “sitting with the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” (Luke 4:46-47 NKJV)

     But there is another informative verse that gives us some critical insight into Christ’s childhood. We read it in Luke 2:52 NKJV, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” And from this glimpse into His childhood, we can discover some valuable truths.

     Jesus was submitted to His parents. He travelled with them and remained faithful to their directions. Further, He understood the importance of the Temple and the Word of God. Others respected Christ’s knowledge of the Word and found Him to be conversant in the deep truths, and were amazed at His understanding and answers to their questions. 

     The family of Jesus was not wealthy. They lived in the uncelebrated town of Nazareth that was infamous for being a place of disreputable people. It was Nathanael who asked the well-known question in John 1:46, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Few would have expected the Messiah to come from such a dreary place. But Jesus overcame His adverse circumstances to fulfill the calling God placed on His life.

     And when you think that Jesus had a quiet life for almost 30 years, you have to bow to the timing and wisdom of God. God was patient. Jesus was patient. Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the Heavens.” And the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 5:6 NIV, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”

     One last thought. The actual ministry of Jesus lasted only three years. And yet, He accomplished more in that time than any other person has accomplished in their entire lifetime. God does not measure our work like man does. He can use inexperienced youth or the seasoned adult for His purposes as long as they obey Him and commit to a life of service. 

     The life of Jesus is a testament to sacrifice and devotion to God. It matters not the wealth of your family, or where you are born. Do not become impatient with God because His timing is perfect. Be faithful with the time and gifts that you have, and God will use you in His Kingdom.

     Next week: The Transfiguration
 

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