The Beginning of Knowledge
In his gospel account, Luke describes an incident that occurred early in the life of Christ. Because Jesus’ parents were obedient to the Mosaic rules and regulations, they had traveled to Jerusalem to attend the Feast of the Passover (Luke 2:41).
The young Messiah, age twelve, went on this yearly trip as usual. However, upon the completion of the feast, His parents and the company of friends and family with them left without realizing that Jesus had lingered behind (Luke 2:43).
Three days passed before His absence came to light. Of course, Jesus’ mother searched everywhere; then returned to Jerusalem to find Him safe in the temple with the teachers (Luke 2:44-46). Relieved, (and slightly irritated) Mary embraced her son.
Today, many people are traveling down life’s road under the assumption that Jesus is right there along with them. These are the same folks who are astounded when they learn that a close personal relationship with the Savior of all mankind has been misplaced. It is so easy to do this; life’s distractions can be overwhelming.
When a person who truly loves the Son of God comes to their senses and begins to search for Him, there are many places where that investigation will come up empty. Jesus will not be found among one’s friends, no matter how sincere they might be. Expecting to find Him in the multitude of religious denominations one’s family might have always chosen to attend will also be fruitless.
There is one place and one place only where Jesus and His unadulterated teachings can be discovered. His pure, perfect, and life-saving commands fill the pages of the Holy Bible. The joy and relief that Mary felt can be experienced by anyone who searches for Jesus without preconceived notions about where He always exists.