I recently read a cute story about a young man who on his graduation from high school was chosen to give “the commencement address.”
He began by reading from his “prepared text.”
‘I want to talk with you about “my mother” – and the “wonderful influence” she has had on my life,’ he told the rather large and enthusiastic audience.
‘She is a “shining example” of “parenthood,” and I love her more than words could ever do justice.’
At this point he seemed to struggle for his words.
After a momentary pause, he looked up sheepishly with a sly grin and said, ‘Sorry, but it’s really hard to read my mother’s handwriting’ sometimes…
(Pause)
I DON’T KNOW what a perfect first-century family would have looked like, but I’m certain that Joseph and Mary did not fit “the ideal.”
Joseph had little to no money, although he did have a profession.
He had no “safe place” for his wife to give birth and “no plausible explanation” for her pregnancy.
“Their family” was turned upside down before it even began.
We also know that they were considered to be a family living in poverty…as were 98% of all the other people of their time.
What we have before us is a “precocious Jesus.” He comes across as being “old beyond one’s years.” Jesus appears to be gifted, intelligent, advanced, sly and smart for a twelve year old.
He “knew” exactly what he was doing…
I think – Joseph and Mary probably had their hands full with Jesus.
One of the things I want you to consider is that Mary was “obviously” the one to share this story with the evangelist Luke.
This is a mother’s memory. And we are being told now for a second time…that Mary is still pondering all these things in her heart. This is from her point of view.
In an honor and shame society “loyalty” and “family solidarity” were prized possessions.
“Obedience” was everything, and was to be expected at all times.
As is usually the case…there is a lot – that is going on in just a handful of verses.
For example it is noteworthy, that it is (his mother and not his father) that questions Jesus in public.
One would think that in a patriarchal society a woman would be “closed mouthed” in the public arena and that any discipline or rebuke would come from the man of the household.
But not here, Mary speaks, while Joseph is the silent one.
While we are told that Jesus is twelve years old in the Temple, he is not yet, 12 ½ when he would be considered a man. He is still a boy-child. A young precocious boy who is obviously acting independently of his parents…
Is Jesus here demonstrating the beginnings of his autonomy from his mother and father? Is he testing his limits as children are wont to do?
Though the fact that Jesus has not “obeyed his parents” would be “extremely shameful” for them…
Chastising or rebuking him in public would have been a catch 22 for them – because they would be making it known that “he had acted” without their permission which would also be “shameful…”
You just do not air your dirty laundry…then or NOW!
The only thing that would be “honorable” in the whole dastardly event is that they had gone to “great lengths” to “find him” and to “restore him” to his “proper place” in the family again.
I hope you caught – how Jesus answers Mary’s hostile question, with a question of his own…just like the Rabbi’s did!!!
He was a rabbi – in the making!!! “A rabbi-wannabe!”
None of us should be surprised by Jesus’ education by these “elite scholars” from the Temple and their acknowledgement of his early abilities.
This is “just the beginning” of Jesus acquiring public honor for himself.
Scattered throughout the Gospel of Luke “others” will be amazed by the gracious words or wonderful deeds of Jesus.
Such amazement “by others” is what builds Jesus’ reputation and his honor among his people.
And it is precisely “this public recognition” that will later make Jesus “such a huge threat” to the authorities and the powers that be.
Finally, there is an honorable conclusion to this whole incident.
Upon returning home…again…Jesus will become the “good son” showing honor and respect and we would assume obedience. And he grows or advances…in public reputation, status and maturity…
And echoing in the background are the words about “my father’s house.”
And where would you expect to find US? (In our father’s house, of course!)
Amen!