Jesus before twelve years old (by Whirlwind) 1011

The Bible uses quite a few pages to talk about the birth of Jesus; he was born due to Immaculate Conception and born in Bethlehem. Because of Moses’ laws, Joseph brought the baby Jesus to Jerusalem, where he met Simeon and Anna. Due to the magis talking to King Herod, Joseph had to bring Mary and the baby Jesus and flee to Egypt. Finally, let us review briefly what happened at the feast of Passover when He was twelve years old.

First, we see in Luke 1:24-27 that Elizabeth had John the Baptist in her old age, “After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, …Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”

Then in Matthew 1:18-21, we observe the Immaculate Conception: “…when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.””

Next, in Luke 1:39-45, we can see that Mary arose and went in a hurry to verify what she knew, “Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country …and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.””

As for how long she stays with Elisabeth, Luke 1:56 tells us, “And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.”

Secondly, we can see in Luke 2:1-7 why Jesus is the King but was born in a manger, “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. …Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, …to …Bethlehem, …in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, …But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”” (Luke 2:8-12)

“And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”” (Luke 2:13-14)

“And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21)

Thirdly, let us take a look at how He met Simeon and Anna. In Luke 2:22, it tells us, “And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.” Luke 2:25-27 says, “…Simeon…was righteous and devout, …and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law.”

Simeon then in Luke 2:28-32 “…blessed God, and said, “…For my eyes have seen Your salvation, …A Light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.”” “And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.” (Luke 2:33)

In Luke 2:36-37, the baby Jesus met Anna, “And there was a prophetess, Anna …then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.” “At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)

Fourthly, let us see how the magi were led to worship Him in Matthew 2:1-2, “…in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”” According to the Bible, it doesn’t say there are three magi like what said traditionally by some people. 

In Matthew 2:9, a miracle happened regarding how they found the baby Jesus, “After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.” “And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.” (Matthew 2:12) 

As a result, Joseph fled to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-15, “Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. He remained there until the death of Herod. …”

“Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.” (Matthew 2:16)

If Joseph didn’t trust and obey immediately, it would be too late. We can see this often in the Bible.

Finally, let us review quickly regarding what happened when Jesus was twelve years old, which is the only event recorded after his birth and before He was an adult. In Luke 2:40, it says, “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.”

“Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast.” (Luke 2:41-42)

In Luke 2:43-49, it clearly states, “and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, …Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. …And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house? “” 

Apparently, He knew who He was at the age of twelve years old.

(Verses refer to those in NASB unless otherwise specified.)

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