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Why doesn’t the Bible tell more about Jesus as He was growing up?

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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: Why doesn’t the Bible tell more about Jesus as He was growing up? It seems we can learn a lot about Him before He began His ministry. The silence is rather suspect. After all, what parent doesn’t like to talk about their children? Jesus had to be the perfect child, yet not much is said. – J.C.

A: The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Jesus’ childhood, but the one incident it does record reveals that He was already aware of His unique status as God’s Son, sent from Heaven to save us from our sins.

The incident occurred when Jesus was 12. As was their custom every year, Mary and Joseph took Him on the long trip to Jerusalem for Passover, one of the most important Jewish feasts. Afterward, they became separated from Him, and when they finally found Him several days later, He was in the Temple listening to those who were teachers of the Old Testament and asking them questions. When Mary and Joseph rebuked Him, he replied, “Why were you searching for Me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” If Jesus found it important to be in God’s House learning more about God’s Word, shouldn’t we as well? And shouldn’t we ask God to help us instill the same priorities in our children?

May we all strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ. He modeled the importance of gathering with other believers and having a deep understanding of Scripture – after all, He was the Word Himself. What we need to know about Jesus is presented in God’s Word which tells us that Jesus grew “in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52, NKJV). He is indeed perfect in every way and we should glorify Him in all that we do. So, too, should we grow in knowing the Scriptures.

 

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2024 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

 

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