It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.â€
He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?†They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.      Luke 2:46-52 (WEB)
I have found this passage to be troubling and not often used in sermons and Sunday School lessons. If the passage is used, we focus on Jesus’ divinity and how He was teaching the elders at a young age, pointing out that his parents were clueless as to why He had stayed in the temple.
Jesus is said to be listening and asking questions. If you are a Bible teacher, that is what you want your students to do. Not that as a teacher I think I have all the answers but if the student is listening and questioning, he/she is learning and may find answers! ‘Bumps on logs’ do not learn. At best they can only regurgitate what is told to them!
Jesus’ parents also discipline as I have. You question why the child would do something to cause you worry and fear. The first question should have been “What are you doing, Jesus?†to which He replied that He was about His Father’s work. Later – a reminder to let His earthly parents know prior to His actions or send word as to what He was doing might be a better plan.
And so we then read that Jesus went home to be obedient and grow physically – and in wisdom. It I doubted that Jesus was fully human – Dr. Luke has set me to face the Truth. Jesus as 12 was still a boy. He was not ready to begin His ministry. I also must ‘grow up’ in my faith, learning to be obedient and learning God’s wisdom.
Notice also that it does not say specifically that Jesus memorized books of the Torah or fasted three days a week or even attended synagogue every week. Luke may have assumed that we would all know that but may I am to learn through the way God desires to teach me instead of completing a checklist. God wants me to learn through my heart and make a life change. He wants me to grow into – an alien who is always longing for home!
