He went with them

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. – Luke 2.49-51

I find the brief accounts of Jesus childhood interesting. We don’t get to see much, only a few hints and suggestions.

This is really the only actual glimpse into Jesus’ childhood. When Jesus was twelve his parents (I know Joseph was not his actual father) took him to Jerusalem for a traditional feast. When they headed back they were travelling with family and friends, with everyone talking and catching up. Nobody really thought about where the kids were. They would be fine. 

After about a day’s walk Mary and Joseph realised that Jesus was not with them. I can’t imagine the shock and fear that ran through their minds. I am quite certain that, like any of us would, they were blaming themselves for not paying better attention.

So they retraced their steps. They headed back to Jerusalem and it was three days before they found Jesus. When they did He was discussing matters with the Temple leaders, asking them questions and listening to them. Everyone who heard the discussion was amazed at His questions and his thoughts.

Put yourself in Mary and Joseph’s sandals. Your twelve year old son has been missing for three days! What is your initial response going to be?

‘Where have you been? We have been looking for you for three days! You had us worried sick!’

We all know the tone of voice they must have used – that combination of relief, anger, and love that spills out when this kind of thing happens.

So Jesus answered them – ‘Why were you looking for me? Don’t you know that I have to do my Father’s work?’

They didn’t understand that, and that is fine. Mary kept these things in her heart and thought about them.

But I love what Jesus did next. The Creator God incarnate obeyed his parents and went home with them.

‘He went with them…and was subject to them.’

What a picture of submissive humility. The One who created mankind and established marriage and set the standards for relationships between parents and children submitted to human authority.

If Jesus, God Himself, could submit to the authority of His fleshly sin-cursed parents, should we not be willing to learn the vital lessons of submission?