Thirty Under Thirty! (Luke 2:46-49)

Sports Illustrated devotes a section to young outstanding athletes who have distinguished themselves in their respective sports. These athletes are in high school or sometimes younger and have accomplished a feat that may have escaped the eye of the public and popular media. Examples have included a teen bowler who lead his high school team to the league championship by bowling a perfect 300 game or a badminton state champion. The article may have read, “Thirty Under Thirty-Future Superstars to Watch!”

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “ Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”

And He said to them, “ Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business
Luke 2:46-49

Whenever I read this passage from the Bible, I cannot help but wonder if these same rabbis and teachers who heard the answers and questions from this young Jesus, remembered Him many years later when He began to preach in the same city and temple? What would it have been like? Would some of them have looked at Jesus and said, “I remember this teacher when He was just a young lad! I could not believe the questions He was asking and the wisdom He exhibited at such a young age!”

From a young age, Jesus was already distinguishing Himself. How exciting it would have been to see God incarnate as a young man! The Bible does not tell us much about these years of Jesus’ life, only that...Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).

If Jesus was born on this earth today, perhaps another popular magazine would recognize the great potential that Jesus exhibited...something like “Thirty Under Thirty...Future Leaders to Watch!” We will never know but it should come as no surprise that even as child and young man, He distinguished Himself.

What a glorious Savior we serve!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.