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

1. This is the only part of the Bible that says anything about Jesus’s early life.
2. His parents were astonished or amazed at Jesus debating the rabbis.
3. 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.
4. But then Mary shifted gears and made it about herself. As a parent, I understand where she was coming from.
5. Years ago, I misplaced my daughter at at daddy-daughter dance. She had joined a line of girls circling the room, and with the lights lowered, I misplaced her in a sea of pink dresses. When I found her, all I could do was hug. I’m glad I didn’t scold her.
6. Yet, Mary took her opportunity to scold Jesus. The amazement didn’t last too long, I guess.
7. It’s fair to ask how you respond to frustrating, surprising events? Are they opportunities to justify selfish emotions? As always, I have daily work to do here, especially as my kids get older.–JMB