Scripture Reading: Luke 2:39-52
Today we continue with the Christmas story—one more Sunday reflecting on the life of Jesus as we encounter it after the Christmas celebration. The passage we heard today is the only story we have about Jesus between his infancy and the beginning of his public ministry around the age of thirty. This account of Jesus at twelve years old is the only story of his boyhood accepted by the early church as part of Holy Scripture.
There are many other stories about Jesus from the first and second centuries, but when the early church fathers canonized the Scriptures, they chose to include only this account. The others contained elements that did not align with the Word of God, so they were excluded. What we have here, from the Gospel of Luke, is a brief but powerful glimpse into Jesus’ early life.
Luke is the only Gospel writer who includes this story. As we know, Luke was not one of the disciples, nor was he Jewish. He was a Gentile—a Greek—and a historian. He carefully investigated the life of Jesus by interviewing witnesses, including disciples and members of Jesus’ family, and compiled his Gospel as an orderly account. This is important because critics sometimes claim the Gospels are biased since Matthew and John were disciples. Luke, however, was neither a disciple nor a Jew, yet he was committed to uncovering the truth.
Luke briefly tells us that after Joseph and Mary completed everything required by the law, they returned to Galilee, to their town of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. Then, at age twelve, we encounter this remarkable moment.
Joseph and Mary traveled every year to Jerusalem for the festivals, as was their custom. On one such journey, Jesus went with them. At some point during the return trip, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, spending time in the temple. His parents did not realize he was missing until two days later. This passage has often led to sermons about “missing Jesus”—walking along in life assuming Jesus is with us, only to realize we have left him behind.
Some people criticize Joseph and Mary as careless parents, but we must remember how travel worked in those days. Families traveled in large groups—twenty, thirty, even fifty people—journeying together for safety through dangerous terrain. Children often moved freely among relatives and neighbors. It was natural for Joseph and Mary to assume Jesus was with others in the group.
When they finally found him in the temple, their reaction was understandable. They were anxious and upset. They asked him why he had done this to them. Jesus responded with a question of his own:
“Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
Luke tells us that they did not understand what he was saying. This detail is significant. Luke, the Gentile historian, notes that even Mary and Joseph did not yet grasp the full meaning of who Jesus was and what his mission would be.
Jesus was not disrespecting his parents. Rather, he was revealing his identity and priorities. Joseph was not his ultimate father; God was. Yet Jesus returned with them to Nazareth and remained obedient to them. This balance teaches us something profound.
Often, we assume that God’s work belongs only to certain people—pastors, theologians, or those with formal titles. We imagine ministry requires robes, pulpits, or special training. But Scripture tells us otherwise. God uses children, elders, ordinary people, and even infants. Each of us is called to witness and serve. Ministry is not limited to preaching sermons; it is sharing what God is doing in our lives.
In the temple, Jesus was not performing miracles or correcting teachers. He was sitting, listening, and asking questions. This is an essential part of ministry. Faith grows not only through speaking, but through listening—listening to God and to others.
Most of our lives look far more like sitting and listening than standing and speaking. Quiet faithfulness matters. God shapes us in ordinary moments just as much as in extraordinary ones.
Jesus returned to Nazareth, an ordinary place—so ordinary that people later asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Yet this is where God chose for Jesus to grow. Jesus learned a trade, worked with his hands, and lived a simple life. If God’s work were only about public ministry, these years might seem wasted. But if God’s work is about formation, not a single year was wasted.
The same is true for us. Sometimes we look back and think certain seasons of life were wasted. But God was forming us through every experience—successes and failures alike. We cannot drive forward by staring into the rearview mirror. We must look ahead.
No matter your age—twelve, twenty-five, seventy, or ninety—God still has a purpose for you. Ministry happens in everyday life: when we pray for someone, care for the sick, teach children, comfort the grieving, or check on someone who is lonely. These moments may not look like ministry in the traditional sense, but they are holy work.
Our homes are the first seminaries of faith. Children learn more from watching our lives than from hearing our words. Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and humanity. That description is meant for every child of God.
Mary and Joseph also learned something difficult: they had to let Jesus go. True growth always involves letting go. Our children are not possessions; they are gifts entrusted to us. We guide them, pray for them, and then release them into God’s care.
Jesus knew his priorities. He belonged in his Father’s house. As we grow spiritually, we too must step beyond our comfort zones. God continues to work through every place we find ourselves.
As we meditate on this story of Jesus’ boyhood, we learn that God shapes us through listening, obedience, and ordinary faithfulness. No matter where you are in life, God is still at work in you.
And remember this: God is not finished with us. As long as we have life, God has a plan.
Amen.
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