HCC Weekly - March 10th

Pastor Rachael

The Book of Luke records just two narratives about Jesus’ childhood: His dedication and His time at the temple when He was 12 years old. Both stories set the stage for Jesus’ ministry on earth as an adult.

Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews. They had dedicated the baby Jesus according to the Law of Moses., and they traveled to Jerusalem each year to celebrate Passover. God had commanded the men to appear before Him three times a year at certain festivals. Once a year, those who followed God’s law would travel to Jerusalem - often in large groups - to celebrate Passover.

In Bible times, a Jewish boy became a man at 13. His father would train him to take on all the responsibilities of adulthood, social and spiritual. Joseph was a carpenter, and he likely trained Jesus in his trade. When Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem, Joseph might have taken Jesus around the city to teach Him the significance of the temple and explain the importance of the Passover feast.

Jesus’ parents started the journey home after the feast. They assumed Jesus was among their traveling companions, but He wasn’t. Jesus had stayed behind at the temple. Mary and Joseph traveled for a day before they noticed Jesus was missing. They went back to Jerusalem and found Him at the temple.

When Mary asked Jesus why He had done this, Jesus answered Mary’s question with a question: “Didn’t you know that I would be in my Father’s House?” Mary and Joseph did not understand. But Jesus is God’s Son, and it was necessary that He honor His true Father. In all this, Jesus did not sin.

The Bible does not give many details about Jesus’ childhood, but we do know that as He got older, He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people. Jesus carried out God’s plan to reconcile the world and Himself.

“God was bringing the world back to himself through Christ. He did not hold people’s sins against them. God has trusted us with the message that people may be brought back to him.”

2 Corinthians 5:19

So, church family, this morning, I encourage you to remember to honor your one true Father and remember how important it is to gather together with your peers in your Father’s House.

Have a blessed Monday!