Mary was probably about 15 years old when she gave birth to Jesus. Her first visitors were shepherds who had been told by angles, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) Then when Jesus was 8 days old He was taken to the temple, “…there was…Simeon, just and devout, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him…that he would not see death before he had seen THE LORD’S CHRIST…the parents brought in the Child Jesus…Simeon took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now…MY EYES HAVE SEEN YOUR SALVATION WHICH YOU HAVE PREPARED BEFORE THE FACE OF ALL PEOPLES…A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles…And Joseph and His mother MARVELED AT THOSE THINGS WHICH WERE SPOKEN OF JESUS. Anna, a prophetess…a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple…she gave thanks to the Lord, and SPOKE OF JESUS TO ALL THOSE WHO LOOKED FOR REDEMPTION…” (Luke 2:25-33, 36-38) The next time Jesus is spoken of is back in the temple at 12 years of age; “…they found Jesus in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And ALL WHO HEARD HIM WERE ASTONISHED AT HIS UNDERSTANDING AND ANSWERS.” (Luke 2:46-47) The scriptures tell us that, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND MEN.” (Luke 2:52)
WHAT AN ENORMOUS RESPONSIBILITY WE HAVE IN TRAINING UP OUR CHILDREN IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO…
-Bill Stockham