One On One: 100 Days With Jesus--ADVENTSample

Parents: The Day They Lost Jesus 

[Imagine the gospel writer, Luke’s interview with Mary, part 2] 

If there is one story to tell about Jesus’ boyhood, what would you share? 

Mary: You probably want me to tell you about when we lost Jesus, right? 

Whatever story you want… 

Mary: Very well. Crazy, isn’t it? Joseph thought He was with me and the other children. I thought He was with Joseph. Jesus was a good boy—no mischief, no trouble. Even at 12, we could trust Him. When He wasn't with me, I thought, “So this is the trip Jesus walks with the men. Good for Him.” 

Of course, we turned back to Jerusalem the moment we realized He wasn’t with either of us. Can you believe it? The God of the universe entrusts us with this special boy and we lose Him! Such a sick panic in my heart for three days. 

Well, you know the story—we find Him with the rabbis on Temple Mount. Jesus looks up at us like it was nothing. Not a bit of worry or remorse, even when I gave Him a piece of my mind. I knew Him better than anyone, and I realized in that moment, I didn’t know Him at all. 

“Don’t you know I’m to do my Father’s business?” He said and everyone who heard, especially Joseph, knew He wasn’t talking about being a craftsman in Nazareth. If Joseph was hurt by that, he didn’t let on. 

That was the day Jesus grew from a boy to a man. A man on a mission. That was the day Joseph and I knew the secret was out we had kept all these years. Jesus was here for more. 

He came back with us to Nazareth and was as obedient as always. He grew up tall and strong, also in His mind and spirit. God’s hand was on Him—and people loved Him. 

From that point on, Jesus’ focus was somewhere else. Sometimes I watched Him from the shadows when He stood alone in His workshop or with the tallit over His head as He prayed. I saw Him returning from the hills where He would walk before dawn. Somehow, I just knew He was talking to His Father about the days to come. I had to fight the rush of time. Not yet, Jesus, not yet. 

It was beyond us, I knew that. But for a short lifetime, I got to play my part in something bigger than the universe. I didn’t even know how big. I still don't but I can't wait to find out. 

Tomorrow: One on one with the Light of the world