Advent - Day 22

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.

Luke 2:41-44

We are anticipating the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is advent. And this year we are following Luke’s gospel as he passes on to us the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.

Well, where in the world am I going to go with this? Have you ever had days where your Bible reading just felt like nothing. There just seemed to be nothing there? What do you do on days like that? Here’s my encouragement, take the time to reflect, persevere. And trust in God’s Spirit to speak to you through the text.

So where do we go today? Well, here’s what I started reflecting on. What do normal 12 year olds dream about? Getting a girlfriend? Being a sports star? Getting a good job and visiting lots of places around the world? I have no idea what young Jewish boys dreamed of. Fighting the Romans?

What must 12 Jesus have been thinking about as He travelled to Jerusalem and looked around? Did He know, here is the place I’m going to die? Here they will torture me and crucify me?

Can you imagine as He walked around the city? Seeing the people do their thing. Surely He must have wondered, am I really going to die for these people? I dunno, Jesus isn’t a sinner, so maybe He didn’t think like that.

But it’s a reminder isn’t it, that Jesus is human. We see that many times, in His sorrow, in His compassion, in His pain. He was still a 12 year old boy once. And I’m sure one who knew enough of His destiny to realise that His life won’t be like other boys.

It’s a reminder that Jesus doesn’t go from baby to 33 year old crucified Christ. A portion of His suffering is knowing for many years that He will die for God’s people. What a thing to carry. What a Lord we have.

For Today:

• What did you dream about when you were 12?
• What do you do when you don’t get much from your Bible Reading?
• Reflect on Jesus’ early life and His faithfulness for our sake.

Pray:

• Praise the Father that He allowed His Son to save us.
• Give thanks for Jesus who gave up all earthly things for us.
• Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others reflect on the depths of Jesus’ kindness to us.