Sep 22 2008
Why did Mary lose Jesus
Why did Mary lose Jesus?
In Hebrew culture when a boy reaches his 12th year it changes his status from boyhood to manhood. It is also this time where they he is expected to appear in the temple. The annual celebration of Passover brings all Jews from all countries to go to Jerusalem although the journey could take several days depending where they are coming from.
It was Jesus’ first time to appear in the temple. Compelled by his enthusiasm to start the work He was sent to do here on earth he conversed with the priests and reasoned with them.
Marked with seven-day celebration, worshiping and festivities, the Passover comes to a close. It’s also time for other Jews to go back where they had been. But Jesus lingered. Probably confident that Jesus is among the group, Mary didn’t check if he was with them. But three days without spotting him, Mary started to look for him and when she didn’t find him they went back to Jerusalem and found Jesus reasoning with the rabbis.
Was it Jesus’ responsibility to follow his parents when it was time to go? Growing as a man, Jesus acted like an ordinary boy. He lingered and didn’t care if he will be left behind.
As Ellen G. White says, we too can lose Jesus if like Mary we lack these three things, watchfulness, meditation, and prayer.
I hope we keep this in mind and stay close to Jesus.
