This school year, in addition to my administrative duties, I am teaching two classes of seventh grade boys, mostly twelve-year-olds. Our topic for the year is ‘the life of Christ’ and I feel privileged to lead these guys in the study of our Savior and the search for His will in our lives.
“Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When He was twelve years old, they went up to the festival according to their custom.” (Luke 2:41-42)
Almost every student has recounted a time of being separated from his parents and each remembered the panic that ensued. No one had a story of being lost for three days though. And no seventh grader can fully comprehend what any parent feels as they search for a missing child. How relieved Mary and Joseph were to find their Son!
With Bibles closed, I asked my students to tell the reason the teachers in the temple courts were impressed with young Jesus. In each class a boy replied the way most adults who have gone to church all their lives would answer: “He was teaching them many things and they were impressed with His knowledge.” It is true that “everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:47), but the Scripture does not say Jesus impressed His elders by teaching them. What we do read are three ways any twelve-year-old can amaze his teachers.
“After three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:46)
“Guys,” I said, “Look what Jesus is showing us! When He was your age He knew how important it was to sit, listen, and ask good questions. You can do the same!”
As I gave this inspiring pep talk to my fifth period class, one of the students fell out of his chair. We’ve got a long way to go…
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52