I often try to imagine what it was like for Jesus as a child growing up in Nazareth. Even as a child, I was disappointed that the Gospel writers did not elaborate about His childhood. From a kid’s point of view, I think that it would have made believing in Him easier. It certainly would have made it easier for me. 

For example, did Jesus have household chores that he did for his mother, like fetch fresh water (no internal plumbing in those days) or carry wood for the fire which was probably always burning in the living area. Who made his bed?  

When he was an infant, did he have colic? Was he fussy? Did he sleep through the night? Did he suck his thumb? Did he play kick ball with his neighborhood pals? Was he a quiet child or a born leader among his peers?  

We actually do not know much about his life before he entered his ministry. Since he was about thirty years old then, his growing up years leave much to the imagination. We know where he was born and that he was presented in the temple while he was an infant. We know that Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt to keep him safe. And there is the mention of his being forgotten in the temple as a young boy where he amazed the rabbis with his knowledge and understanding of Scripture.  

Perhaps that incidence alone is enough to let us know that he was an extraordinary child. Even so, to be both man and God, must have challenged his childhood brain. Who did he talk to about these mysteries in his life? 

I hope that he had a trusted mentor to worry with-maybe it was Joseph, while he lived. Joseph has always been one of my favorite and bravest saints. What courage it took for him to brave the criticism of society and become the earthly father of God.  

I see that I have created more questions than I answered. However, it is important for me to emphasize that Jesus’s nature as both God and Man forms the basis of his true understanding of our nature and our issues, whatever they may be. He gets us because He is us. 

And He loves us unconditionally! Even knowing who we really are. God bless you! 

Terri