The Boyhood and Youth of Jesus

MATTHEW 2:13-15—When this incident in Jesus’ life occurred, he was no longer a babe in the manger. As near as can be determined he was now about two years old, this age being deduced from the questions asked the “wise men” by Herod, and their reply. (Matt. 2:7,16) Further evidence that Jesus was no longer a babe when taken into Egypt is given in the wording of Matthew 2:11, which states that the wise men found him in a “house,” not a manger, and that he was a “young child,” not a baby.

The journey into Egypt may have taken as much as two weeks. Just where this wonderful family of fugitives stayed in Egypt is not definitely known, nor is it important that we should know. The reason for their being there, Matthew explains, was that the prophecy might be fulfilled, “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.” (Hosea 11:1) In this prophecy Jehovah is declaring his great love for Israel, a love that was manifested in calling the nation out of Egypt at the time of the Exodus, so the statement quoted by Matthew may be viewed both as historical and prophetic.

When Jesus came to his own at the first advent, they were tributary to a heathen nation, even as they were in bondage while in Egypt. It was this condition, resulting from their sin, which caused Jesus’ parents to flee with him into Egypt, And in calling Jesus out of Egypt, it was the Heavenly Father’s purpose that he should become the antitypical Moses to save and deliver his people from the bondage of sin and death, and save them with an everlasting salvation.

LUKE 2:39-52—“The child grew,” we read, “and waxed strong” “filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” The words, “in spirit,” are not in oldest MSS. These statements clearly denote development—physical, mental, and moral. How strange this thought must be to those who believe that Jesus was God incarnate in flesh! It is quite understandable, however, and logical, when we recognize the fact that Jesus was but the Son of God. The language implies that during his maturing years Jesus was not unlike other children and adolescents except that his mind turned more toward the things of God than does that of the average child.

This is indicated in connection with the experience of finding him in the temple, “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.” His parents had been searching for him for three days. When his mother asked him for an explanation of his conduct which had caused her and Joseph much anxiety, he replied, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

In this statement there is an implied correction of his mother’s reference to Joseph as his father, for certainly they both knew that his being in the temple was in no way related to the carpenter shop in Nazareth. But more important, Jesus was here revealing that even at the age of twelve he was beginning to realize that he had been born, for a purpose, a purpose which his Heavenly Father had designed for him.

Even at this tender age, Jesus realized that there was more important work for him than merely being a carpenter, or following any other natural vocation of life. He knew that he had been set apart for the service of God, and his great concern was that there were none of the things of God that he was neglecting, and when and how he could enter more fully upon his divinely appointed commission. Apparently he satisfied himself that it would be necessary for him to wait until he was thirty years old before it was proper for him to begin his active ministry, so he returned to Nazareth and became subject to his parents.

MARK 6:3—Here we have an expression of astonishment on the part of Jesus’ own townspeople, when, some time after his baptism, he returned to Nazareth and sat in at a service in the Synagogue and used this opportunity to teach those present. “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” they asked. They were astonished at the wisdom he displayed, and naturally wondered where and how he had obtained his learning.

Luke’s account tells us that during his maturing years Jesus grew in favor with both God and men. (Luke 2:52) God was certainly pleased with him, and his associates saw nothing in him but virtue, and they admired him. It was not until he began to teach—to expose their errors and proclaim the truth—that they were offended. This is true of all who faithfully bear witness to the truth. One is seldom persecuted for being good, but the bearing of divine light amidst the darkness of Satan’s world will lead to offense. And this is one of the important ways in which we have the privilege of following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Jesus remarked to his townspeople that “a prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” (Mark 6:4) Although the Master’s enemies plotted against him and put him to death, he was honored by many people throughout Judea. The “common people heard him gladly” on many occasions, and followed him to get the benefit of his healing grace, yet his own home town seemed to be an exception.

QUESTIONS

About how old was Jesus when Joseph and Mary took him to Egypt?

In what way does the account of Jesus’ childhood disprove the doctrine of the trinity?

What activity was it on Jesus’ part that caused the people to persecute him?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |