Listen

Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he said to them.

Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart. Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.

Luke 2:49-52

Think

Have you ever been so sure of something that you lost sight of everything around you? I think this is what happened with 12-year-old Jesus. For him, there was nowhere more important for him to be than in his Father’s house teaching. For Mary and Joseph, the most important thing was to know Jesus was safe. Jesus was where he was supposed to be and was safe, but none of the three of them had all of this information.

All of them learned from each other through this experience. Jesus learned that respect toward his parents is an important part of being human. Mary and Joseph listened to Jesus and, though they didn’t understand his reasons, they loved him and cherished him anyway. Jesus was able to grow in wisdom because of the love of his family.

Who has surrounded you with this type of love so that you may grow in wisdom? How did they show you this love? How can you thank them for loving you? As school begins, notice the people who love you enough to help you grow.

Josh Speight

Pray

God, thank you for reminding me that Jesus’ family played an important role in helping him grow up. Help me to notice everyone who loves me and wants the best for me. Help me to tell them thank you. Help me to love them as you love me. Amen.

Go

Go now in the power of the Spirit of God, blessed to be God’s Church in the world.