JUNE 10, Luke 2:41-47

In New Testament times, Jews worshipped in synagogues every Sabbath. “Synagogue” refers to an assembly of at least ten Jews or the building they worshipped in. In the synagogues, Scripture in parchment scrolls were kept and read on Sabbath days.

Under Singapore’s Law, a child is considered an adult only when he/she turns twenty-one. Only then can he/she sign contracts and marry without parents’ consent. Under Jewish law, a boy becomes an adult at the age of thirteen. A girl becomes an adult at the age of twelve. From that day, the parents will not be held responsible for their behaviour for they will be held responsible for their own actions. They must bear their own responsibility of obeying the Mosaic Laws. If they break the law or fail to follow tradition, they will face judgement themselves. As adults, they can now own properties and can be legally married according to Jewish Law! The most important thing is that the young men now qualify to read the Scripture in the synagogues.

In the Bible, there is only a record of Jesus’ visit to the synagogue in Nazareth, when He was 12 years old. He spent three days in the synagogue, listening to the rabbis or teachers of the Jewish law and asking them questions. Jesus’ knowledge and wisdom astounded the people around. We would not be surprised because we know He is God and God knows everything. However, the Bible has no record of what happened when Jesus turned thirteen. In Luke 4:15-17, we read that He taught in the synagogues. He stood up and read Scripture. Jesus was allowed to do that because He was already a thirty-year-old adult. In fact, He could do that the day He turned thirteen.

Christian children do not need to wait till they turn thirteen. They can stand up to read the Bible or lead in the singing of Christian songs at gatherings. In fact, children are encouraged to serve God this way. Some of you have already led in the singing of songs and reading the Bible in camps and meetings.

Thought: There is no need for me to wait till I am an adult before I serve God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to grow in faith as I grow physically. Help me also to serve You faithfully. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.