Adolescent Jesus

The Adolescent Jesus

Psychology teaches that adolescent boys begin to test parental boundaries and rules while distancing themselves from their parents. They are beginning to engage in deductive reasoning and logical thought; however, this is a long process continuing into their twenties. One of the most concerning traits is engaging in risky behavior without logically considering the consequences of their choices. The wise parent will continue to set limits but will pick their battles carefully. Consequences will be fair, reasonable and delivered promptly. At every stage of development praise for good behavior and effort will be delivered frequently.

Something we don’t often consider is that Jesus went through adolescence too. We have a glimpse of this when he was 12 years old, he has completed his education in Hebrew school with a thorough memorization of the complete Torah that is the first five books of the Old Testament. However much like our children memorize the Pledge of Allegiance in grade school most were clueless about the meaning of allegiance. So it is likely that the Hebrew boys could recite the Torah leaving the deeper meaning to be delved into as they matured. Jesus had passed his Bar Mitzvah and is now deemed an adult in the synagogue. He sits with the men and is required to obey all the laws of Judaism. Some young boys were even married in their early teens.

Each year at the feast of Passover his family made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the high holy days. We know the rest of the story the festivities end and the caravan from Nazareth begins their journey home. It appears that Jesus was given a longer leash now to roam with friends during this long trip, after all he is nearly a man now!

When he didn't return to his parents for the evening meal, alarm bells rang for Mary and Joseph. What teenage boy misses a meal! The anxious parents retraced their steps, questioning: What was he thinking to take off and not tell them. Where was he going? Does he think he can travel home by himself through bandit ridden territory? Where is he going to stay? How will he eat? You know, the typical parent worries.

Meanwhile Jesus has returned to the temple where some of the greatest scholars of Judaism teach. He may have thought, I finished Hebrew school in the village but there's so much more I want to know about God, the Messiah, and my mission. My parents told me I am destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, but what does that mean in practice? His logical-deductive reasoning is kicking in and, but he has still made the risky decision to stay in Jerusalem without any evidence of having thought through the safety consequences or how to manage food and shelter needs.

When Mary and Joseph locate him, they are astonished at his behavior and ask him, “Why have you done this to us?” Any other teenage boy might respond, Done what? What did I do? You should be happy I want to learn more!” But Jesus isn't any other teenager. Apparently the worry about his absence never entered his mind because he answers, “Why were you looking for me ?” “Didn't you know I must be about my father's house?” Perhaps he thought his parents could read his mind. Well yes, they did know he had to be about the Father’s business. But not just now. He's still young and needs his parents. They want him to come home because they are only human, not human and divine. This divine thing must have been a huge challenge for his human parents to sort out.  They didn't fully understand what Jesus was implying. Yet humbly the son of God returned with his parents to Nazareth and was obedient to them. He submitted to their authority and treated them with love and respect.  Not until he was 30 years old did, he set about his Father's business.

Jesus was not lost in the temple. He knew exactly where he was and why he was there yet surrendered himself to his parents’ authority over him. This story dramatically reveals the tensions of adolescent behavior and the ripple effect on the family, but the remarkable submission of Jesus without any argument or attitude is a model of good behavior for any teen today.