If we can remember when we were twelve, we remember how awkward that age was. It’s that age where we didn’t want to be considered a child anymore, but we weren’t mature enough to make adult decisions. We were moving away from baby dolls, but not quite old enough to babysit. We didn’t want our parents to hug us in public, but we still needed their hugs. We wanted more responsibility, but didn’t want to do the chores. Twelve is just a strange time is a child’s life. An age where we struggled the most just trying to fit in somewhere because we were either too old or too young.

I look back at the time when I was twelve and remember the awkwardness. Let’s face it I’m still a little on the awkward side. I look back and remember my parents taking me to worship, Bible classes, gospel meetings, and vacation Bible school. I look back and remember how I was afraid of the preacher and his wife, not scared, but a “better be on my best behavior” afraid. I definitely would not have carried on a conversation with them when I was twelve.

Our Lord, believe it or not, was once twelve. I don’t think it’s such a hard thing to believe. I think it’s more of a difficult thing to remember that our Lord, the one who brought salvation to this earth, who loved us before he even knew us, who sacrificed his life for us, and who gave us all the hope of heaven was once twelve.

In Luke 2:41-52 we have twelve verses about a few days in the life of our Lord when he was twelve.
“His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Here are twelve things we can learn from these twelve verses when our Lord was twelve.

1. His earthly parents were already in the habit of going to Jerusalem for the Passover. Worship habits are important.

2. Jesus went with his earthly parents for the Passover. This was something they did as a family. In all likelihood, it involved extended family as well. Worship habits are important for the whole family.

3. Twelve year old Jesus was not in a rush to leave the Passover feast. He lingered. He and his family had already been there a few days and yet he was not ready to leave when the time came. It’s okay to linger after worship. That is the time you truly get to know your church family.

4. Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was where he should have been; with the company traveling home. We can’t always assume our assumptions are correct. They started looking for Jesus after a day’s journey. He was nowhere to be found. When it comes to our children, we shouldn’t assume anything very often. Our children, especially twelve year old children, need our guidance in life, both physically and spiritually.

5. When Jesus could not be found, his earthly parents turned around to go look for him. They did not give up on him. It’s tough being twelve and it’s tough parenting a twelve year old. Don’t give up on each other or on God. Instead of throwing our hands up in disgust let’s fold our hands in prayer.

6. Twelve year old Jesus was still listening and asking questions of the teachers three days after he was supposed to have gone home. It makes me think that he enjoyed his lingering so much so that he lost track of time. It’s okay to lose track of time at the church building because often that is where we are busy building up our faith and encouraging others.

7. The teachers listened to twelve year old Jesus. Not only did they listen, they were astonished with his understanding and answers. Now we know Jesus is eternal and it’s only his human body that’s twelve, but did the teachers know that at this time? I’m not sure, but what we do know is that they sat across from a twelve year old looking boy and listened. Our children that attend worship need to feel comfortable enough to talk to us and we need to slow down enough and listen to them. I can only imagine now the conversations I would have had with the preacher’s wife when I was a kid if I wasn’t afraid of her.

8. Mary questioned Jesus’ behavior. She didn’t just put off his behavior because “he’s just being a twelve year old”. She asked him why. Ask kids why. Ask them questions that get them to think about why they are doing what they are doing.

9. Twelve year old Jesus knew what was important and what was expected of him. His purpose on the earth was to seek and save the lost. With proper training and guidance, all kids can develop a heart to do our Father’s business.

10. Mary and Joseph did not understand Jesus’ answer. We can question our kids and they can give us a proper answer, but we can still not understand them. Understanding isn’t quite the most important thing about listening to a child. Have you ever listened to a child talk about a video game? I don’t get it, but what I do get is they enjoy being listened to and having something they can passionately talk about, so we listen.

11. Jesus went home with his earthly parents and were subject to them. As much as he was Lord of Lords and King of Kings, he still obeyed them. Humility, at any age, is a great trait to possess.

12. Jesus grew up. He got taller. He got wiser. He grew in favor with God and man. Twelve year olds do not stay twelve. No matter how hard we as parents try to keep our kids little, they grow up. Our job as parents is to raise our kids to love the Lord, to love going to worship, and to love God’s people.

We do not see anything else about Jesus’ growing up years after this. We don’t know anything about his teenage years. We do know that he grew in favor with God and man and that’s all we need to know about those years. I love how God saw fit to give us these twelve verses about when Jesus was twelve to remind us that Jesus was once a child who grew up too.

By: Kristina Odom