Jesus at the Temple

Luke 2:41-51

Today I talked with a nine-year old boy about sharks. He asked if I thought tiger sharks were big or small. I said, "Small." He said, "No, tiger sharks aren't small but sand tiger sharks are small." He then proceeded to list all the sharks he knew--I can't remember the names he rambled off--I think I heard the word jar head and large mouthed. The nine-year-old had a precocious knowledge of sharks.

Jesus was precocious too. But unlike the boy I met today--he did not just have knowledge beyond his years but wisdom. "Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers" (Luke 2:47).

I wish I could have heard him speak. I wish I could have heard the questions he asked. Most of Jesus later interactions with the teachers of the law seemed fraught with hostility on their part--but in this one interaction they were simply disarmed and astonished by him.

Mary and Joseph were astonished too. But not astonished enough to stop themselves from scolding him. Jesus response was telling, "Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" He shows that he understands his mission and now he asks if they understand it. Luke says, "They did not understand what he was saying to them" (2:50). They were muddled on his mission. It reminds me of a later story where Jesus closest followers were confused. Jesus warned the disciples to be careful of the yeast of the pharisees and they responded with, "It's because we didn't bring any bread" (Matthew 16:17).

What is the mission of Christ? Am I clear on it? Or like Joesph and Mary am I still confused? Or am I like the disciples taking Jesus literally when he has a deep spiritual truth to teach me?