There is not much given to us about the early years of the Lord Jesus on the earth but let us look at what the Word does tell us.

Matthew and Luke give us the account of the Lord’s birth.  We read in Matthew 2:1-2, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”  We read in Luke 2:7, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

It was when the baby Jesus was eight days old that he was circumcised.  “And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21).

Now let’s read Leviticus 12:2-4, “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean. And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.”  Under the Jewish law, for the seven first days after she gave birth a woman was considered unclean; and then she continued three and thirty days in the blood of her purifying, which made forty days.  So, we read in Luke 2:22-24, “And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”  We know this event occurred when the Lord was 40 days old.

Let’s continue reading about this remarkable event.  In verses 25-35 we read of a man named Simeon.  It is said of him in verses 25-26, “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”  Upon holding the baby Jesus, Simeon proclaimed, “Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” (Verses 29-30).

There is just too much precious truth in this portion to read it all here.  I encourage you to read and meditate upon this.  We then read of another person on this day.  Her name was Anna.  “And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” (Verses 36-38).

We read in verse 40, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”  From here, we do not read of the Lord Jesus until He was 12 years old.  We read about this in verses 41-52.  Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem each year to observe the Passover.  When the Lord was 12, Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem supposing that Jesus was in the company of those who travelled together.  However, after three days, they realized He was not with them, but they had left him behind in Jerusalem.  “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” (Verses 46-47).  Imagine this 12-year-old boy amazing these learned men with His own incredible knowledge!  After all, He IS the Son of God.

We do not read of the Lord again until He was about 30 years old at His baptism.  (Read Luke 3:21-23).  Many have wondered why the Lord gave us no knowledge of the Lord Jesus between the ages of 12 and 30. Many have speculated about His activities during this time span, but we do well to remain silent when the scriptures are silent.  All we really know is that, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52).  The Lord, in His written Word, has given us what is needful for us to know.  May we learn to appreciate that and spend our time in reading and studying what He has given us to know.  (CC)  (669.4)