This had to be a weird scene. Mom and Dad discovering at the end of the first day's journey that their eldest son was missing. I can't imagine the panic, the discussion, the conversation (probably heated) between Joseph and Mary. What's also weird is that is still took them an extra day to find Jesus once they got back to Jerusalem. My guess is that they went to the Temple out of desperation. Can you imagine the thoughts that raced through Joe and Mary's minds about what might have happened to Jesus? Can you imagine how they must have felt losing God's One and Only Son? What were they going to say to God? Wow, what pressure!
Teenagers are tough. As parents, we're on the verge of losing our teens all the time. Hormones, impulses, spreading wings, worldly enticements, peer pressure, broken hearts, it's tough as a parent. Sometimes you want to throw up your hands, turn them loose or lock them in a trunk and ship them to who knows where. Truth is, however, parents of teens, those teens are God's son or daughter. Just like Mary and Joseph, we've been granted the privilege of guiding, protecting, teaching, raising God's child. God has placed that child in our care. If you lose them, what are you going to say to God? Teen parenting starts with my relationship with God. He doesn't expect perfection, but He does expect us to ask Him for wisdom.
The wisdom of Joseph and Mary led them to help Jesus grow (advance, progress - literally) in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and people around Him. That takes investment and wisdom that only God can give. Jesus, at 12, was becoming aware of Himself and His calling. That's what He was doing in the Temple. Parents should assist their teens in understanding their life purpose and calling, not dictate.
Fun Thoughts:
1.Where did Jesus eat and sleep for 3 days when separated from His parents?
2. How many days did it take Abraham to lead his only son to the sacrificial altar?
3. How long was Jesus in the tomb?
Any thoughts or insights?
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