And it came to pass that, after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. Luke 2:46
The feast of the Passover was as close to a vacation time as people had in Israel at the time when the Lord Jesus was there. Jesus’ earthly parents made an annual trek to Jerusalem for the feast, as did hundreds of thousands of others in the land. Even folks who were not particularly devout would make the trip, to enjoy the social aspect of the journey and the celebrations in Jerusalem. This was the highlight of the year for most of them. Yes, there were the religious obligations including sacrifices and other observances in and around the temple. But the social aspect of the Passover was huge, as people would meet with old friends and spend time away from the work-a-day world that consumed them the rest of the year. But our text reveals that the Lord Jesus had a higher motive, even as a lad, in being at the temple.
When Mary and Joseph found Jesus, He was deep in discussions with the religious leaders of the day. The doctors were amazed at His questions and at His understanding, although we recognize from our viewpoint of this event that His knowledge would surely exceed all of theirs. We are not told what His questions were, or what topics were being discussed, but they would surely have been about the Scriptures. Those doctors had a deep knowledge of the Old Testament, both of the law and the prophets. Although many of these men were hypocrites, others were sincere and very devoted to their religion and to God. It would have thrilled them to see a youngster taking such an interest in spiritual things, just as godly men and women among us today are thrilled when young folks take an interest in spiritual things. The Lord Jesus sets a wonderful example for young people in this account.
Jerusalem undoubtedly had many attractions for a visiting boy to see and explore. But Jesus was not interested in anything but the temple. This place, which He would later identify as His Father’s house, was at this time the location where God met with those who would seek Him. This was important to Jesus. Is it important to the young people who are growing up in our Assembly environments. Do they appreciate that this is where God’s dwelling is, where God conducts holy business with His people? The temple was also the repository of the Scriptures, and the place where those who knew the Word of God could discuss and rehearse it. As the Word of God, all of the Word of God, is given its rightful place in God’s Assembly, this ought to appeal to young Christians seeking to learn more about their Lord. Like the Lord Jesus, they need to ask questions and listen to the answers, so that they might grow in spiritual things.
Oh that we might see our young people have a passion for God’s dwelling place and His people today! -Jim MacIntosh