That time Jesus drove his parents nuts:

“Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant.

Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. – Luke 2:39-52

This morning in men’s Bible study we talked about the passage in Luke’s Gospel that briefly covers Jesus as a child – with particular emphasis on what happened when he was a precocious 12-year-old.

We enjoyed a positive, helpful discussion that involved a lot of speculation because, well, there just isn’t that much information about it in the Bible.

What grabbed me, however, and what really gets my attention is this idea that Jesus invested himself in learning, in asking questions and in thinking things through. If Jesus felt the need to avail himself of the resources and to – as the Bible says – “grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people…” then how much more must we continue to seek God and knowledge and wisdom and learning?

Encouragement for honest inquiry:

It is another 18 years before Jesus launches his public ministry! It makes perfect sense he continues to learn, disciplining himself to grow in faith, fervent in his prayers, faithful in worship, searching the scriptures, engaged in discussion and debate and listening with others who love and follow God, people of learning and wisdom and mutual respect.

What I got from today’s conversation was a word of encouragement for honest inquiry, for continued growth in wisdom and knowledge, for searching diligently for the truth, for open hearts and minds – but all in the context of prayer, of immersing ourselves in the scriptures, of humility.

Our conversation reminded me of a young friend who came to my study group as a brand-new Christian. He sat on the edge of his chair in anticipation, he shared his enthusiasm for the Good News, he read the assigned scriptures with eagerness, he asked intelligent questions and he dug deeper all the time.

My friend told the other guys he wished he had their experience in following Jesus and their deep knowledge of the scriptures – but that he didn’t understand what had happened to their passion?

It is always a good question. If we approached life like Jesus – always “at my father’s House”, growing in wisdom and knowledge, ready to serve but at the same time patient and faithful, open to learning, and willing to put in the hard work – then who knows how God will use us?

But we will never know unless, first, we follow the way of Jesus – DEREK