Teaching God to Be Human

Scripture – Luke 2:39-44: 39When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends.

Reflection: Once the whole Bethlehem experience was over, Joseph and Mary took Jesus back to Nazareth. There the day to day business of raising children began for them.

The Bible is silent on this part of Jesus’ life. We know from various references in the gospels that Joseph and Mary had other children. Raising children is an awesome responsibility – perhaps even more so when one of them is the Son of God.

I wonder what that was like for Joseph and Mary. How did they treat Jesus? Was it any different than how they treated their other kids? In one sense they had the job of teaching God how to be a human being. That would include basic lessons in family living and responsibilities. On this trip to Jerusalem, for example, Jesus – a twelve year old boy – decided to stay behind when everyone else was leaving. How will this be handled? What will He and His parents learn from this? Stay tuned!