Unity with God is not something that happens overnight, even for God the Son. Twelve years pass from the time Jesus is presented at the temple at eight days old until he makes his first trip to Jerusalem. But it appears that Jesus’ unity with God has developed fairly early on:
“And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him” (Lk 2:40, ESV).
Although there are no details about this period of time, we may assume that Jesus was brought up in a Jewish household and that he was taught the faith along with all the young boys of his age. This would have continued up to the age of twelve, when they earn the right to join the adult men in the temple at Jerusalem. I picture Joseph heavily involved with this training of his son – but again, no one knows for sure.
Finally, the time comes for Jesus to go with his family to Jerusalem:
“And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it…” (2:43).
When Mary and Joseph discover Jesus missing, they spend three days frantically searching for him. Finally, they find him in the temple:
“…sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers” (2:46-47)
Upon finding him, an exasperated Mary asks:
“’Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress’” (2:48).
What comes next are the first recorded “red letter” words spoken by Jesus, and they are truly astonishing for a number of reasons:
“Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house” (2:49)?
First, his answer seems very rude to his exhausted parents. I know what would have happened to me if I had answered my parents that way!
But second, his answer is enigmatic, suggesting not only that his parents should have known he would be in the temple, but also that he “must” be in his Father’s house.
Even more interesting is that Jesus does not use the word “house” – that is just how most versions of the Bible translate it. Sometimes it is translated “about my Father’s business,” which is probably closer to correct.
But literally, we get here a glimpse of the King of kings and Lord of lords, because he says, “…I must be in my Father’s.” Or better yet “at my Father’s.”
Here is a child who has just met his true Father for the very first time, but he has been preparing for it for his whole life, now full of wisdom at the age of twelve.
This means that he was not rude or disrespectful, but rather completely surprised that his parents did not realize where his wisdom had come from at such a young age.
And like any boy, he wanted to be with his Dad.
His parents should have realized that the temple would draw Jesus as strongly as my barbecue draws yellow jackets!
The very first public words spoken by Jesus put perfect unity with his Dad at the top of the list.
I must be at Dad’s … what a wonderful way to view what perfect unity and this research project are all about.