January 22 - A Child in the Temple

“Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49, KJV)

When Jesus was twelve years old, He traveled with His parents to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. As they returned home, Jesus was separated from them in the crowd. After three days of anxious searching, Mary and Joseph found Him in 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, KJV).

Jesus’ parents were amazed as they listened to the deep and insightful questions He posed. Although He assumed the role of a learner, His every word brought light to those who heard Him. The Scriptures, obscured in the minds of the rabbis by human traditions, were illuminated as Jesus spoke of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His piercing, sincere questions broke through their confusion, and the plan of salvation shone like a bright light in a dark place. Even at such a young age, Jesus demonstrated wisdom beyond His years, reflecting His growing understanding of His mission.

This story offers a powerful lesson for all young people. If they diligently study God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to guide them, they too can share truth and light with others. Seeking divine wisdom leads to clarity and enables even the youth to be vessels of spiritual insight.

When Mary found Jesus, she asked, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing” (Luke 2:48, KJV). In response, Jesus gently replied, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49, KJV). Though His parents did not fully grasp the significance of His words, they were a revelation of His growing awareness of His divine mission. Despite His identity as the Son of God, Jesus humbly returned with His parents to Nazareth and remained obedient to them.

By the age of twelve, Jesus was already filled with the Holy Spirit and aware of the great responsibility of the work He had come to accomplish. His example calls us to seek wisdom and humility, always striving to understand and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

Let us remember that no one is too young to search the Scriptures, grow in wisdom, and be a light to those around them. When we open our hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we too can reflect the character of Christ and share the hope of salvation with the world.