Amazed, Astonished, and Anxious

When Jesus’ parents took him with them to Jerusalem, he was no longer that baby in Bethlehem. Their little boy was growing up. He was about to become a man. According to Jewish law, when Jewish boys become 13 years old, they become accountable for their actions.

As we watched our children grow, it was sometimes difficult to accept that they were becoming independent adults. The nature of our relationship with each of them keeps changing over time. Their growth forces us to grow as well.

As every child must do to become an adult, Jesus was pushing the boundaries as he grew to understand who he was. There was much for him to learn on this trip, and he took full advantage of it. As he listened to the temple teachers and asked them questions, people were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Amazed isn’t quite the word that captures his parents’ reaction. They were astonished, dazed, dumbfounded, flabbergasted. Growing children have a tendency to do that to their parents. It’s good for parents. It might also be better for us if Jesus had the same effect on us now and then.

It would also be good for us to be a bit anxious once in a while about where we might find Jesus next in our lives.

Gracious God, help me to continue to be amazed by Jesus and anxious to be where he wants to be. Amen. — KW