JANUARY 14, Luke 2:41-52

Not much is recorded in the Bible of the childhood of Jesus. However, we do know that when Jesus was twelve, He accompanied Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem for the yearly feast of the Passover. The Passover is an important festival in the Jewish calendar, when they commemorate the “passing over” of the angel of death when God slew the firstborn of all Egypt (Exodus 12:11-28).

In that visit, Jesus was left behind by Mary and Joseph; you know how adults are sometimes! When they discovered that He was missing, they returned for Him and were astonished to find Him discussing deep truths with the learned rabbis.

Although Jesus was God, He was also fully human. He also did not cheat. Imagine what He could do in school tests which He may have attended, or any games. He may have participated in! He would be topping every test and competition since He was God Almighty! Jesus was a good child; He was obedient, humble, and followed the instructions of His parents. He was also obedient to God the Father, and that is perhaps why the last verse in this chapter states, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”.

Are you like that? Are you an obedient child who is courteous and helpful? Are you a polite child, knowing that being polite instils and demonstrates grace in us? Are you helpful to weaker students? Do you take time to orientate new students or newcomers to Sunday school? Do you willingly share your pencils and other writing instruments?

Do you also show a growing understanding of God’s Word? You are to read the Junior RPG every day. The abbreviation “RPG” stands for “Read, Pray, Grow”. Do you spend time praying over what you read? Most importantly, do you see growth in your Christian life? Do your parents see that you are a better child, perhaps more patient, more kind, and more helpful?

Thought: May I be more like the child Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you know that I need help in becoming a better person. I am so glad that I have an example in Jesus; so Heavenly Father, please help me to follow Him and to be a child whom others may see and praise God for. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.