A Child in the Temple

[Thompson, Darryl]

A Child in the Temple 

     Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke 2:49.  

     When Christ was twelve years old He went with His parents to
Jerusalem to attend the feast of the Passover, and on their return He
was lost in the multitude. After Joseph and Mary had searched for Him
for three days, they found Him in the court of the Temple, "sitting in
the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers"
(Luke 2:46, 47).  

     His parents listened in amazement as they heard His searching
inquiries. . . . Though taking the attitude of a learner, Christ
imparted light in every word He uttered. He interpreted the Scripture to
the darkened mind of the rabbis, and gave them clear light in regard to
the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. The sharp, clear
questions of the child learner brought a flood of light to their
darkened understanding. The truth shone out as the clear shining of a
light in a darkened place, as He received and imparted the knowledge of
the plan of salvation.  

     It is plainly stated that Christ grew in knowledge. What a lesson
is found in this incident in the life of Christ for all youth! If they
shall diligently search the Word of God, and through the Holy Spirit
receive divine guidance, they will be able to impart light to others. .
. . 

     Mary, the mother of Jesus, . . . asked, "Son, why hast thou thus
dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing."
Divine light shone through humanity as Jesus lifted His right hand and
asked, "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my
Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake
unto them" (verses 48-50). They did not comprehend the true meaning of
His words. But, though He was the Son of God, He went down with His
parents and came unto Nazareth, and was subject unto them. . . . At the
age of twelve the Holy Spirit was abiding upon Jesus and He felt
something of the burden of the mission for which He had come to our
world. 

>From That I May Know Him - Page 28