The First Recorded Words of Jesus

The First Recorded Words of Jesus

Luke gives us the event in Luke 2:41-50. This was not Jesus’ first visit to Jerusalem for the Passover. His family went “every year.” (2:41) That is a big deal. The Passover lasted for a period of eight days total, and then you have travel time. Time off work. Planning. A place to stay. Packing. Coordination with the other pilgrims. No travel agents or event planners. Joseph and Mary have at least six other children to bring along (check it out in Matt.13:55-56). No wonder they lost Jesus. We had only five children and we left a couple of them at the church building on occasions, sleeping under the pews. I wish I could say when I found them they were intelligently conversing with the teachers of the law.

Growing up Jewish, Jesus was exposed to the history and the culture on a regular basis. His life had context. He probably asked the question in the seder, i.e. “What does this ceremony mean to you?” (Exodus 12:26) Context is important for any child. In our mobile and family-dysfunctional society many children do not grow up with the stories of their past. They don’t know who they are. For Jesus these stories were profound, because most of them pre-figured Him. He was coming to realize that He was the Lamb of God, slain, and whose blood is on the door-post of all who would seek deliverance from death. He was the first-born one whose sacrifice insured life for everyone qualifying them to be co-heirs with Him. When Jesus heard John proclaim Him as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) did He reflect back on the 30 Passovers He had celebrated with His family? How did He feel about eating lamb?

Luke calls Jesus “the boy” (2:43). One year later he will be declared a man. But, for now, He is Mary’s boy, and she was clearly not alright with His becoming more independent. How mothers love to hold on to their children! But, this was no ordinary child. Jesus was “gifted.” He had maturity beyond his 12 years. But, surely He should have not stayed behind. How did that happen? Was He so engaged in conversation with the Jewish scholars that He just did not realize they had left, and when He did He thought it better to stay with these responsible leaders instead of setting off on His own to find the family? Did He stay in the temple courts, a public place, to make it easier to be found by His family? Was He surprised it took three days? Was this a full three days, or was it like His time in the tomb, a part of three days, a minimum of 26 hours of separation from Mary and Joseph? Was this the longest period of time He had ever been away from His earthly family? He had already been away from His heavenly family for 12 years. The caravan was composed of his relatives and friends. (Some wonder why they get overlooked in a church. Jesus was overlooked in His company. See He does understand.) Freeze frame the moment for Mary when she realized Jesus was not with them. There is that separation anxiety that any parent would feel knowing their child is MISSING.  Posters come out. Radio, TV, and social media is utilized. Reward money is raised for information leading to any clue. The rescue dogs are brought out. What was He wearing when you last saw Him? Height? Weight? Color of Hair? DNA?

It was probably Joseph who first saw Jesus because He was likely in the court of the men, where women would not be allowed. Let’s size up the situation. Jesus is in the heiron-a sacred place. Joseph discovered Jesus conversing with the teachers, asking and answering questions. Amazement was the only word for the learning Jesus displayed. What topics were discussed? Did Jesus take notes? Years later does Jesus recall this discussion when He encounters the teachers of the law during His ministry? This is Jesus’ debate prep. They were amazed at His “understanding.” The word sunesis is where everything comes together, as when two streams merge. Jesus was putting things together at age 12.

Imagine Jesus reunion with mom. All that anxious adrenaline in Mary, fear, worry, anger, and relief came together in a moment. She didn’t know whether to hug Jesus or whip Him. She certainly took this matter personally. “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” (2:48) Later did Jesus recall this experience when He told the parable of the lost sheep (Matt.18:12) or the story of searching for the pearl of great price (Matt.13:35). Jesus’ response was calm and measured. When Jesus said, “Why were you searching for me?” He could have been saying, “Why are you questioning me?” He was not a runaway. He was not getting into trouble. He was not being disrespectful or disobedient. And, His being left behind was probably more His parents fault than His. Jesus seemed to expect that they should know what He would be doing.

The phrase Jesus uses to explain where He had to be is a little ambiguous. The words “house and business” are not found in the Greek. What He was doing pertained to His Father. It was about His Father. In fact Jesus’ whole life was about His Father. It was an obligation (had to be-must). These were the first recorded words of Jesus, unless we count the pre-incarnate words, “Let there be light!” These first words were not even understood. I guess Jesus had to get use to people not being able to understand what He was saying. They simply did not understand this unique and supremely important relationship Jesus has with His Father. This is key to understanding the Mind of Christ. Nevertheless, Jesus submitted to His parents and went with them. Things changed that day for Mary and Jesus. He is experiencing the implications of His heavenly origins and purpose, and Mary is storing these things in her heart, and beginning to realize what she has always known, this son of hers is no ordinary child.