“And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon Him.” (Luke 2:39-40 ESV)
We know very little about the rest of Jesus’ childhood. We have a little story about Jesus visiting the temple when He was twelve (see Luke 2:41-52). Other than that, His childhood is a blank. Why?
Well, probably because nothing extraordinary happened! We can be sure He went to school like other Jewish boys and learned to read and study the Bible. No doubt Joseph taught Him building skills. I expect His mother taught Him other skills—how to do chores, keeping His things neat, and even some cooking (see John 21:9). It was in this ordinary world that He grew to manhood.
This was God’s plan for Jesus. After all, He came to be our Savior—and most of us live very ordinary lives. We don’t travel to visit sages and wise men far away, as some dreamers have imagined about the young Jesus. We don’t do miracles at the drop of a hat, as other silly stories say about him. No, He lived as one of us—and we can be sure He understands us.
During those years, what was He doing? He was learning and growing. He was studying the Scripture, as we all must do. He was learning to know His people—to know us—because we are the people He loves, even to the point of laying down His life for us—so that we can live with Him forever in His kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, let me live with You all the days of my life. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* What does an ordinary day look like for you?
* Are you glad Jesus had an ordinary childhood? Why or why not?
* What would it be like to have Jesus as a brother? Why do you think so?
Advent Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Originally published in The Lutheran Hour on January 6, 2023
Used by permission from International Lutheran Laymen’s League, all rights reserved