He was subject to them

“And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” - Luke 2v51-52

I love the little we know of Jesus’ childhood. In fact we only know of one incident, when Jesus went to Jerusalem with his mother and Joseph. On the way home Mary and Joseph realised that Jesus was missing and returned to the Temple where they found Him debating with the teachers. When admonished about worrying them Jesus told His mother that He had to be about His Father’s work.

After this reminder we find an interesting perspective. Jesus left the Temple, went home to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph, and “was subject to them.” As He did so He grew as a normal child. He learned, He grew physically, and He developed socially, and even, somehow – spiritually.

One thing sticks out to me, the fact that He was subject to Mary and Joseph. Both Mary and Joseph basically knew Who they were raising. I have a hard time imagining telling God to make His bed. What might be even harder to comprehend is God obeying.

Why do was have such a hard time submitting to authority? Our sinful pride leads us to that think we can always do it better. “Why should I submit to him – he’s an idiot,” can become our normal response to those in authority.

But here we have Jesus, the All-wise and All-knowing submitting Himself to the authority of two weak, frail, sinful humans. If He could be subject to them, can I not submit to those He has put in authority over me?