Supplement to #11 Jesus Childhood & Youth

Supplement to #11 Jesus Childhood and Youth

Jesus at the Temple

Luke Chapter 2

Deuteronomy 16:16: “Three times in a year shall all males appear before the LORD thy God in a place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty” (i.e., without a sacrifice.)

Many male Jews made the effort to travel to Jerusalem to attend the annual Feast of Passover/Feast of Unleavened Bread. This lasted a full week plus the time to travel to and return home. Most travelers would endeavor to stay at least for the full week, longer if they had friends and relatives living there.

We have only one recorded instance in the New Testament of Joseph, Mary and Jesus doing this, but as a pious Jewish family there were probably other years in which they attended, especially after Jesus reached the age of twelve. This could affect Joseph’s carpentry business so the families’ financial needs would be a consideration about going. People traveled together in caravans which afforded them fellowship, safety from robbers in the open areas, and antagonism from hostile Gentiles. Small villages organized caravans for their communities to travel together. The Mishnah exempted women from the obligation of attending these feasts, but when feasible wives and families would go together to Jerusalem for this holy event. In Jesus’ time and still today Passover was the most beloved of all Jewish holy festivals … a celebration of freedom. The population of Jerusalem and its surrounding areas greatly increased at this time of year.

“The grace of God was upon him:” (Luke 2:40) from the Greek, the word “grace” has several definitions; the best one here is probably “favor and blessing.”

At age twelve Jewish boys became “sons of the law” and were then considered to be adult members of the community. They were then required to keep the Law.

“Sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:46)

In addition to being the center for prayer and sacrifice the temple was also a place for teaching, debating, and exchanging religious ideas; this was a major activity especially among the Rabbis.   Jewish teachers sat in circles when they taught and their pupils sat at their feet. Students listened and were free to ask questions and enter the discussions.

It was not an accident of circumstances that Jesus did not leave for home with the family caravan, and he was not seeking an adventure. There was a purpose for him to be in the temple after the huge Passover crowds left. This was his opportunity to converse with the leading Jewish religious scholars, teachers, and Rabbis … the top echelon of Jewish religious thought … There was nothing like this available in Nazareth.

Topics were usually about Jewish law and its application in Jewish society, and within different schools of religious thought (Pharisees, Scribes, Essenes, Sadducees, etc.) These activities usually took place in the outer courts and rooms of the temple as women were not allowed in the inner areas.

In Jerusalem and its temple the main topics considered seemed to be about the Law, with many different opinions and voices to be heard. The Rabbis would be much involved here and this would also be of special interest to typical youth ready with questions.

“Astonished at his understanding and answers.” (Luke 2:47) again from the Greek, the word “astonished” has several meanings … here probably showing reaction to a super-natural event. The teachers were aware that this was a brilliant young Jewish student. (Luke 2:40) Some of this knowledge Jesus had learned over time from earlier teachers and devout parents, Joseph and Mary, and of course from God his Father.

Jesus’ earthly parents have been worried and afraid for his safety and well-being, and Mary shows her concern in the form of a mild reproach for his having acted as a child. We remind ourselves that Jesus is twelve years old and has from his mother Mary all the traits of mortality.   With all that he has from his Father being God, he is still learning. His response shows that he recognizes his dual role; he has two fathers, father Joseph; and “My Father,” God. His Father’s business has taken him to his Fathers’ temple for these past two or three days. (Luke 2:48-49)

As a dutiful son Jesus returns home to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph. (Luke 2:51)  

Glenn R. McGettigan 

February 2016