A CHILD WORTH PONDERING
Mechelle Holbrook
Today’s Scripture: “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:51
Theme: Jesus responded in an unexpected way: with obedience, gentleness and humility, even when His parents misunderstood, blamed, and questioned Him.
A GLIMPSE INTO JESUS’ CHILDHOOD
Scripture offers only a few windows into the early years of Jesus, but Luke 2 gives us one of the most powerful. When He was twelve, His family traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. After the celebration, Mary and Joseph began the return journey—only to realize Jesus was missing. Their frantic search lasted three long days until they found Him back in Jerusalem, in the Temple, calmly sitting among the teachers, listening, asking questions, and astonishing everyone with His wisdom.
MARY’S WONDER—AND CONFUSION
Like any concerned parent, Mary questioned Him. And Jesus responded with a statement that revealed both His identity and His mission: “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49b, NIV). It was a moment when His divine purpose broke through His childhood. Yet Luke tells us that Mary and Joseph did not fully understand what He meant. Still, Mary treasured these moments—moments filled with amazement, mystery, and holy wonder.
THE FAITH OF A CHILD
Parents today often experience a small reflection of that wonder. Children can surprise us with truths they shouldn’t logically know, or with a simple faith that cuts through the noise of adulthood. When my own children were young, they said and did things that amazed me—moments of innocence, insight, and spiritual sensitivity that made me stop and marvel. Other times, I did not see their childlike faith and diminished their young insight. I wish I had treasured these things more. But as adulthood comes, things often get more complicated. We overthink, we worry, we question, and we lose some of that beautiful simplicity that children naturally have.
A good friend of mine sees this same childlike wonder in her boys. One of them not only refers to the Lord with sweet sincerity as his “Jesus Daddy,” but he also frequently says things that reveal a deep, simple faith and an unusual understanding of who God is. His questions and observations often stop her in her tracks and remind her that children often grasp spiritual truths more clearly—and more beautifully—than adults do. If ordinary children can amaze us like that, imagine the awe Mary felt as she raised the Messiah.
MAJESTY WRAPPED IN SUBMISSION
What follows in the passage is just as astonishing as Jesus’ wisdom: “Then He went down with them…and was obedient to them” (Luke 2:51). The Son of God—who spoke with the teachers of the Law, who understood His heavenly identity—chose to return home and submit to His earthly parents. This mixture of majesty and meekness reveals the heart of Jesus long before His public ministry began.
Make It Personal: This Christmas season invites us not only to marvel at the wonders of Jesus’ birth but also to reflect on His example. Jesus had the right to assert His authority—yet He embraced submission, humility, and obedience. The honor and respect He showed toward Mary and Joseph, his earthly parents, show us that submission is not weakness; it is strength under control. It is choosing God’s way...even when we think we know better. So where is God inviting you to practice Christlike submission? Is it your attitude, your relationships, your schedule, your pride, or your willingness to be led? We will have an opportunity to practice this as we get with our families this Christmas season.
Like Mary, take time to ponder.
Like Jesus, choose to submit.
There is much to treasure in our hearts this season—and no better time to embrace the humble obedience of the Child who came to save us.
Pray: Jesus, Your Words always speak life. As we read about Your holiness and greatness as Your plan unfolded, we see Your meekness and submissiveness to Your earthly parents. Jesus, help us to mimic Your actions of obedience and submission. Help us take the time to ponder and not miss the wonders of this Christmas season. Amen.
Read: Luke 2:41–52, Matthew 18:3
Weekly Memory Verse:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9, ESV