“When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth” (Luke 2:39). Hebrews 5:8 contains the statement, “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” In context, this statement refers to the beating and death Christ suffered. The hunger and exhaustion of his Galilean travels and preaching. The rejection by those who should have welcomed and supported Him in His soul-saving work. But also consider a growing up process, learning to walk, talk, make the body do what the mind desires and in general, live confined to flesh and blood.

Jesus had to learn everything we learned as our bodies and minds grew from infant to adult. That entire process, at home and in the synagogue school, is summed up in one verse. “The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40).

Many question if Jesus knew who He really was. Raised with other children in Nazareth, did He know that He was Immanuel, God living among humankind? The answer is; yes, He did know. Luke 2:41-50 provides the narrative of a 12-year-old boy, doing what He saw as the right thing to do. But the coordination with parents was missing. From the “test questions” to determine right and wrong, “would this make my Father happy?” The answers are Father yes, stepfather maybe not. Jesus stayed in Jerusalem as His parents began their return trip to Nazareth. Almost a week later, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the Temple, discussing deep scriptural matters with the teachers of the Law. “They found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:46-47).

The reaction of Mary and Joseph sounds typical of most parents when they finally find their children who have wandered off. “When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your Father and I have been anxiously looking for You'” (Luke 2:48). Jesus’ answer, however, is different from other 12-year-old lost boys. “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49 NASV). “I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49 KJV). We should have no doubt that Jesus knew He was and is The Son of God, His belonged in the House of God, and He was doing the tasks given to Him by the Father.

As for Mary and Joseph, “They did not understand the statement which He had made to them” (Luke 2:50). Both knew Jesus’ Father and that they were the boy’s guardians for a time. But the full import of what this young boy would do later was beyond their understanding. When the angels and shepherds worshiped and praised the newborn baby in Bethlehem, “Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart“ (Luke 2:19). Twelve years later, “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart“ (Luke 2:51).

For the next 18 to 20 years, “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). The testimony showing that He was well respected is the way they greeted Him in Nazareth. “He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him” (Luke 4:16-17). Only men of good standing in the community were allowed to handle and read from the costly scrolls in the synagogue. He read and explained that He was the fulfillment of prophecy, and that He was the Messiah. Their opinion changed dramatically. In their midst was the grown-up individual they had known for about 30 years. They believed Him to be the son of a carpenter. How could He claim to be the Son of God?

Jesus was and is the one He read about from the scroll of Isaiah. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19). The Babe, who was worshiped by angels, shepherds, and kings, grew into a respected member of the synagogue at Nazareth. But, by “going about His Father’s business,” His hometown and soon, all Jews would turn against Him. Immanuel had come to be with men on the earth, and He was not what they wanted Him to be.