What and Who Jesus Knew

This account of the 12-year-old Jesus is not found in any of the other gospels. In the story we see Mary and Joseph’s commitment to their faith as they went to Jerusalem for the Passover every year. Though this was required of every Jew, few could afford the finances and time to make the trip.

According to the Mishnah, the first major work of Rabbinic Judaism, Jesus’ religious instruction would have become more intense at the age of 12.

The Passover Lamb

The Israelites are instructed to take the blood of a perfect lamb, apply it to their doorposts, so that death would pass over them as it ravaged Egypt. The Lord required Israel’s participation in the final plague but not the others. They were not automatically exempt from the substitution of a life for a life. Obedience to God’s plan protected them and provided the escape from judgment

Deliverance

God definitively answered Pharaoh’s question, “Who is this Lord and why should I obey him?” (5:2). Pharaoh discovered God’s uniqueness and let the Israelites go! The Lord displays his nature, defeats the gods of Egypt and delivers his people from bondage. God is the director and producer of this dramatic documentary. The Israelites were obedient and ready to be freed to worship God (vv 35, 50-51).

No Exclusions

The Passover is so important God excludes no one from its celebration, not the foreigner, not the person who is unclean because of a dead body, not the man or woman who is far away on a journey. All are called to celebrate the Passover and the rules for celebrating it must be the same for both a foreigner and a native born child of Israel.

Why is it so important? We know the Lord passed over the houses of the children of Israel when they were slaves in Egypt.

What and Who Jesus Knew

This account of the 12-year-old Jesus is not found in any of the other gospels. In the story we see Mary and Joseph’s commitment to their faith as they went to Jerusalem for the Passover every year. Though this was required of every Jew, few could afford the finances and time to make the trip.

According to the Mishnah, the first major work of Rabbinic Judaism, Jesus’ religious instruction would have become more intense at the age of 12.

Communion

The short period of time beginning with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem provides us with some of the most exciting and momentous occasions associated with our faith. Judas’ agreement with the religious leaders, the scenes in the garden, the carrying of the cross, the crucifixion and the resurrection all provide us with important chapters in the plan for providing us with redemption and restoring our place with God.