46Now 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. (Luke 2:41-51)
This is the only scriptural record of Jesus’ childhood; yet, there is much we can learn from this brief account. At twelve years of age, His wisdom astounded the men who had spent a lifetime studying the Scriptures (v. 47). Remember that Jesus did not have full-time access to a copy of the Bible like we do today. He received revelation knowledge from His heavenly Father, but He had to visit the synagogue to read the scrolls of God’s Word.
Even at the young age of twelve, Jesus had a clear understanding of who His real Father was and exactly why He had come to the world (v. 49). However, He also asked the scholars questions (v. 46). This is amazing when you realize that in Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). Although He was God, He inhabited a physical human body with a natural mind that needed to be educated.
We see that Jesus knew His call and purpose even in His early childhood, but He still had to study and prepare Himself for the work God had called Him to accomplish. He is doing the same thing with you, preparing you for what He has called you to do.
If you don’t know what you are called to do, ask Him today! Then ask Him to show you what you can do to prepare your mind and heart for all He wants to accomplish through you.
