MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
Last week in reviewing the childhood of Jesus, we looked at two themes: the freedom of simplicity revealed by the birth in Bethlehem and seemingly unremarkable boyhood; also, the challenge His parents faced in raising up such a child - human, but with divine implications.
We shared earlier how conditions were just right for the coming of the Messiah, with Hellenistic influences, Roman infrastructure and organization, and Jewish monotheistic heritage. God also chose faithful parents, Mary and Joseph, who would be responsible for nurturing Jesus, and a small town, Nazareth, where he would grow up. Let’s turn back to those simpler times and see other lessons learned.
When Jesus was a toddler, he and his parents lived for a time as refugees in Egypt. Their return to Galilee on the trade routes would have introduced them to Greek (Hellenistic) influence, and with the Decapolis to the east, to Roman society. Sepphoris - the historic capital of Galilee - was only three or four miles northeast of Nazareth. During this time it was under reconstruction, and Jesus undoubtedly traveled there and was exposed to various cultures. The official language of the synagogue was Hebrew; Aramaic was spoken in everyday life. Jesus also seemed to be able to communicate in Greek (He spoke at Tyre and Sidon), and in Latin (to Pontius Pilate at the trial in Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23).
Jesus understood family blessings and struggles on a personal level, and He learned from being part of a family. His early life contributed to his education and understanding about people. Through them He learned and was strengthened with love and discipline, blessing and affliction, to be obedient to His calling.
We should mention that some contend Mary remained a virgin and Jesus had no biological siblings; therefore, the brothers and sisters would have been either children of Joseph from a previous marriage, or cousins. But I believe the purpose of Luke 1:26-38 is to emphasize the miraculous Fatherhood of God, rather than an ongoing celibate life for Mary. To emphasize anything other than the Incarnation seems a distraction from God’s plan.
According to scriptures, Jesus had four brothers - James, Joses (Joseph), Simon, and Jude (Mark 6:3 and Matthew 13:55-56) - and at least two sisters whose names aren’t given. John 7:5 tells us that Jesus’ siblings at first didn’t believe in Him, and had to undergo a process of learning who their brother was. Later, the resurrected Jesus appeared to James (1 Corinthians 15:7), and His brothers and mother were present at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). James was leader of the church in Jerusalem by the middle of the first century CE, and authored the Book of James. The Book of Jude is often attributed to another brother.
Some are disappointed there’s not more in the Bible about Jesus’ early years. Many apocryphal writers tried to fill in gaps, but instead they create scenarios that run counter to what we do know. Both Mark and John indicate that He performed no miracles until the beginning of His public ministry (see John 2:11 where He turned water into wine, and Mark 6:1-3 when He visited His hometown, Nazareth).
From scriptures, we know that Mary and Joseph realized He was to be savior of the world, they accepted their role, and taught Him Jewish customs and law. He went to the local synagogue, and according to Jewish tradition, he would have received religious instruction at home (Deuteronomy 6:7).
There is a lack of clarity on how much Jesus knew as a child, or how His awareness of His mission developed. We can trust that the scriptures contain all that’s necessary for us to know. Living in a Roman province gave contact with soldiers and zealots, but He avoided the distraction of political involvement so He could speak “the way of God in truth” (Matthew 22:15-22).
The family from Galilee made several pilgrimages to Jerusalem (Luke 2:41). When He was twelve, Jesus traveled with His parents, then stayed behind for three days, sitting in the temple in the midst of religious teachers. “And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:47). Jesus’ ministry would bring an unanticipated and complete fulfilment to the prophecies of the Hebrew Bible. There was, however, no indication of divine omniscience or human arrogance during His boyhood, which are hinted at in apocryphal books like the Gospel of Thomas.
One final thought: as we look at Luke’s writings, we find references to his earthly parents, especially Mary. After being “left behind” in Jerusalem, Jesus asked Joseph and Mary, “’Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?’ But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:49-52). The incident reveals His childhood development; how aided by the Father, He continued to honor Joseph and Mary, even from the cross (John 19:27). The same Holy Spirit, who helped lead the child in all He would need, is available to us today.
