Hang on tight! It's a thrill ride. (especially with teens!!!!)
What a range of emotions Mary must have felt being the mother of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, The Savior of the world. I applaud her.
When I read Luke 2:41-51 I could just imagine the roller-coaster of emotions Mary must have experienced.
- Verse 44: Mary and Joseph realized that “their young son” was missing. Yikes! Losing Jesus. The responsibility that she must have felt raising The Christ child. I think it is safe to say that while Jesus was growing up He did nothing wrong. He couldn’t. He’s God’s Son. So He was probably the easiest baby and toddler to ever raise. So when He goes missing…panic sets in.
- Verse 46: They find Jesus. It has been THREE days! When Mary saw Him, was she wanting to give Him a good spanking? Did she want to yell at Him? Did she just want to take Him in her arms and hold Him there? We read in verse 48 that Mary and Joseph were astonished, and yes, she did question Him about why He did this. We don’t know if Mary raised her voice, but one can feel her emotion in the question. Were Mary and Joseph astonished because; they were surprise at how calm Jesus was? How confident He appeared as a twelve year old speaking in front of others? Or how others were captivated by His wisdom?
- Verse 51a: When all was said and done, after they found Jesus, what did Jesus do? He obeyed His earthly parents. Mary probably had a close eye on Him everywhere He went so she wouldn’t feel the horrific feeling of losing The Christ Child.
- I love the last part of verse 51: “But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.” The emotional rollercoaster had Mary gazing at Jesus soaking Him all in.
Being a parent IS a rollercoaster of emotions. I have felt a high level of exuberance with my children, and have felt great panic before also.
Just like God gave Mary temporary custody of Jesus while He was here, God has given us temporary custody of our children.
No matter if the children are our own flesh and blood or other kids that are in our lives for a season, treasure them. Treasure each high and low of life with them in your heart.
Blessings to you.
March 28