Ten Commandments (1972)_b.pdf - Herbert W. Armstrong

80 The Ten Commandments
child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with WISDOM:
and the grace of God was upon him" (Luke 2:40).
Then we read the remarkable account of His trip to
Jerusalem for Passover at age twelve. After the days of
unleavened bread, His parents started the trip home without
Him - supposing Jesus was with neighbors or relatives
(verses 43-44).
This in itself shows that Jesus' parents relied on His
dependability and good judgment - supposing He was
with other young people in the caravan as the group
headed back toward Nazareth. As parents, Joseph and
Mary had learned to TRUST His obedience and wisdom.
But now, perplexed about Him, perhaps, for the first
time in their lives, they turned back and finally found
Jesus. They did NOT find Him in a pool-hall, nightclub or
place of amusement!
They found Him in God's temple, "sitting in the midst
of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions"
(verse 46). He had remained to investigate and learn
more of the ways of His heavenly Father!
Jesus' Wisdom as a Youth
Remember, He was only twelve years old. But His
parents had instructed Him from God's Word. And He
had HEEDED their instruction! He had STUDIED diligently.
He had GROWN in the knowledge and understanding of
God's ways.
Now, even in the midst of these highly educated doctors
of the law, Luke writes: "And all that heard him were
astonished at his UNDERSTANDING and his answers" (verse
47).
When Jesus' mother asked Him why He had remained
behind in this way, He said: "How is it that ye sought me?
wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"
(Luke 2:49.)
Jesus undoubtedly gave special emphasis to some of
these words. "Didn't YOU know, Mother - you who have
always taught me about God - that I must be about His
business?"
There must have been a special understanding