“Even though nearly all of the first 30 years of Jesus’ life are hidden, from what we know of the geography, history, culture and religion of Israel at that time, as well as the glimpses we get from the biblical accounts, we can build a picture of what it would have been like for Jesus growing up.”

Someone who knows

Growing up in today’s world is hard. It’s a time of big changes. Hormones kick in and there’s the strain of having to contend with social media, peer pressure, the need to be cool, exam stress, insecurity and society’s relentless demand to be successful. It can all seem a bit much and young people can feel that no one knows, as Amy McDonald sung, ‘a single thing about the youth of today’.

But there is someone who knows; knows exactly what is to grow up in this fallen, broken world. The Son of God who thought it not robbery to be equal with God (Phil. 2:6), 2000 years ago humbled himself, made himself of no reputation (Phil. 2:7, 8), became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). For 33 years he learned what it is like to be you and me; to be a baby, a toddler, a child and an adolescent.

Even though nearly all of the first 30 years of Jesus’ life are hidden, from what we know of the geography, history, culture and religion of Israel at that time, as well as the glimpses we get from the biblical accounts, we can build a picture of what it would have been like for Jesus growing up.

Your postcode doesn’t matter

He grew up in a place called Nazareth, an isolated town of about 1500 people in Galilee. It was made up of the middle-upper peasant class and a place renowned for its roughness, wildness and wickedness (John 1:46; Luke 4:29).

He was the eldest of at least 7, probably lived near his grandparents and cousins (Mark 6:4) and had friends, neighbours and acquaintances all around. His home life would have been simple and it would appear the family were close and devout (Luke 2:41). He would have spoken Aramaic and probably had a distinctive accent (Matthew 26:73; Acts 2:7). He learnt a trade from his father who was a carpenter and spent his time doing building and repair work around Nazareth.

Maybe you are from a deprived background, have got it tough. Don’t feel ashamed of it or hide it or use it as any kind of excuse. Jesus was a working class boy who grew up in a working class area surrounded by working class people. As a church we need to ensure we are no respecters of persons (Acts 10:34). Christianity isn’t just for the middle classes, university students and professionals.

Obedience and duty

At the age of 12, on his first trip to Jerusalem for the Passover, Jesus’ parents lost him for three days. At such an important festival time there would have been several famous Jewish teachers at the feast, and when his frantic parents eventually found him he was among these teachers who were all amazed at his understanding and answers. Having just shown them and others his brilliance you might think that Jesus would now spend the rest of his education in preparation for his public ministry by studying under the teachers at the Temple in Jerusalem, the centre of Jewish religion and politics. He could have had access to its history, law courts, libraries and the leaders who lived there. But he doesn’t. Despite his parents no longer being able to understand him, he returns submissively to Nazareth with them (Luke 2:50, 51)

Furthermore, the reason he delayed his entry into public life was possibly because his father died when he was young. As the oldest in the family he took over his father’s responsibilities until the next brother, James, was sufficiently mature to take over. Jesus obeyed his parents and did his duty.

He was subject to his parents when they were imperfect and he was perfect (Luke 2:51). We should definitely do the same. In our culture it is almost a given that teenagers rebel. But none of us have the right to break the fifth commandment no matter what our friends or hormones tell us. Independence, thinking for yourself, trying and failing are all part of growing up. However, stubbornness, rebellion and disobedience are not. Honouring our parents is not an option just for those who like mam and dad. We don’t just listen to them when it suits us or when we agree with what they say. Unless parents command what God forbids (Acts 5:29) we should obey them.

This respect for our parents should also extend to older people and those in positions of authority (1 Peter 5:5). In our day and age we seldom think, ‘this person is older and probably has something to teach me’ but rather ‘this person is older and out of date’. We should not think our generation knows it all.

Read More