Luke 2:47 “And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.”    They were amazed by both His answers and His questions. It showed a level of understanding and wisdom none would expect from a child. This was true throughout the time that Jesus was here on earth. Everyone was amazed by…

Luke 2:46 “Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.”    The temple was apparently the last place they expected to find him. Otherwise they would not have spent three days looking. Evidently, since…

Luke 2:45 “So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.”    Often it is those unexpected journeys of life from which we learn the most. We may not see what is coming next, but the break from the expected reminds us of the eternal. Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding…

Luke 2:44 “but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.”    At first Joseph and Mary were not very alarmed. They obviously trusted Jesus and had no inclination that He had stayed behind. We may try to berate them for not…

Luke 2:43 “When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;”    How could Jesus have stayed behind? Easily. He was trusted. He was given freedom to spend time with the relatives while in Jerusalem and along the way.…

Luke 2:42 “And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.”    Jesus was growing up. Twelve is old enough to begin looking and sounding like a person will all their life. We don’t know exactly why this trip to Jerusalem was different, why Jesus…

Luke 2:41 “His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.”    Any good Jewish family would do the same. The observance of Passover was a major event in their lives, and they would look forward all year to this opportunity. As we see in the passage, the Jews would go…

Luke 2:40 “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”    Many have wondered how it is possible that Jesus grew. But, remember, the incarnation is a miracle. Jesus emptied Himself and became one of us. This did not limit Him completely. But,…

Luke 2:39 “So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.”    Those early years were surely special. The other children of Joseph and Mary had not yet been born and they spent much of their time with Jesus. Nazareth has…

Luke 2:38 “And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”    Though many Jews at that time were looking only for deliverance from the Romans, the reference here is likely to those who sought deliverance from sin. It is…