Joel M Bradshaw

46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.–Luke 2

Every time I read this passage, I focus on a different person. This is the only part of the Bible that says anything about Jesus’ early life, and so we focus on Jesus. But as a parent who occasionally gets frustrated at my kids, I’m focusing on Joseph and Mary.

They were astonished or amazed at Jesus debating the rabbis. Reading the Gospels we find people constantly amazed at Jesus. I counted at least 13 times this Greek word (or another form) was used in reference to Jesus. But then Mary shifted gears and made it about herself. Reminded me of two later emotional responses to Jesus about feelings. I underlined the emotions.

 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing? (Mark 4:37-38)

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” (Luke 10:38-40)

In frustration, we should lament our feelings to God. But do so with the attitude of faith and trust. I’m not sure that any of these three scenarios show that faith. On the ship, Jesus responded by calming the storm and questioning their faith. In the house, Jesus confronted Martha’s anxiety and then said her sister chose the better option.

Mary’s emotional reaction to Jesus reminded me of another lost son with an emotional father. I again underlined the emotions.

And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:20-24)

Mary took her opportunity to scold and make it about herself. This father didn’t make it about what the son did to him or how he made him feel. He simply showed grace to the undeserving and celebrated his return. It is the only time in Scripture where God is said to run. How do you respond to the events of life? Are they opportunities to justify selfish emotions? As always, I have daily work to do here, especially with my own kids.–JMB