Faith without religion.
Jesus’ Early Years and Divine Mission
In a recent teaching, we explored the fascinating narrative of Jesus’ early years as depicted in the Gospel of Luke. The passage begins with the young Jesus growing in wisdom and spirit, under the grace of God. This sets the stage for a pivotal event when Jesus, at the age of twelve, stays behind in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, unbeknownst to his parents. After three days of searching, they find him in the temple, engaging with the teachers and astonishing them with his understanding.
This story highlights the profound nature of Jesus’ early life and his awareness of his divine mission, even at a young age. His response to his parents, “wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” underscores his unique relationship with God and his early recognition of his purpose.
The teaching also delves into the historical context of the time, noting the significance of the annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem and the societal norms that allowed for such a journey. It reflects on the broader implications of Jesus’ actions and words, suggesting a foreshadowing of his future ministry and the profound impact he would have on those around him.
As we transition into the adult ministry of John the Baptist, the narrative shifts to the preparation for Jesus’ public ministry. John, preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan, fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, preparing the way for the Lord. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the unfolding story of salvation, emphasizing the universal reach of the Gospel message.
Through this exploration, we gain a deeper understanding of the early life of Jesus and the foundational events that set the stage for his transformative ministry. The narrative invites us to reflect on the profound wisdom and purpose that characterized Jesus from a young age and the divine orchestration of events leading to the revelation of God’s salvation to all people.