"Jesus asked, 'Why did you have to look for me?You should have known that I would be where my Father's work is!' But they did not understand the meaning of what he said. Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about what happened. Jesus continued to learn more and more and growing physically. People liked him. He pleased God" (Luke 2:49-52).
This is all we hear of Jesus' life until he is about 30 years old. But a lot is said in these few verses, so let us take a closer look at them.
God had made Jesus calling known to him to some degree when he was 12 years old. You can tell this by his answer to his mother, Mary (Luke 2:49). This is not uncommon. I have heard of other people feeling the call into ministry when they were about 12 years of age. I myself heard the calling to be a missionary for the Lord at that age.
But when Mary and Joseph did not understand his calling, Jesus obeyed their will and went home with them. This shows him obeying the commandment, "Honor your Father and Mother" (Ex. 20:12). In doing so he was a good example to children everywhere.
So what may have Jesus' life looked like during those silent years? In Jesus' land and culture, a son would be trained to do what job his Father did. Joseph was a Carpenter, so it makes sense that Jesus learned how to be a carpenter. Carpenters made things like wood wheels for carts, doors, bowls, and windows .
In their culture they worked earlier in the day on their jobs and took care of their garden in the afternoon. Each family had a place outside of the town or city where they grew their crops. It was the main source of food for them. This would be why Jesus had the knowledge to tell the parable of the sower.
Besides learning to be a carpenter and grow crops. Jesus would have also learned about his faith.
Since before each meal a Jewish family read from the Old Testament and prayed a prayer. Then after the meal they would do the same. Often as families traveled to places they would sing songs from Psalms and other parts of the Old Testament.
Jesus' Mother saw and heard a lot of things involving Jesus. From when the shepherds came to see him at his birth, to when the Wise men came to worship him as a small child to what Jesus said to her when he was 12 years old. I believe that she thought on these things from time to time as he grew and that is why she knew that Jesus would be about to change the water into wine at the wedding (John 2:1-5).
In Luke2:52 it says that people liked Jesus. I believe that it is because he was friendly to them. For people will only like us if we are friendly to them. We should follow his example.
It also says in Luke 2:52 that Jesus pleased God. This tells me that he was obedent to his parents, other adults, and followed the 10 commandments. That is why he is a great person for us to make a hero. For when we are like Jesus, we too will please God.
