The Gospels don’t tell us very much about Jesus’ childhood; they focus instead on Jesus’ public ministry, which only lasted about three years. Hundreds of years after Jesus lived, some people made up stories about His childhood, but that’s all they were — stories with no basis in fact.

The Bible also records that at the age of 12 Jesus became separated from His family while in Jerusalem, and was later found discussing God’s Word with the scholars and theologians there (see Luke 2:41-50). Beyond this, it only says that “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

The Bible says Jesus spent His whole early life with His parents in Nazareth (see Luke 2:51-52). It’s true that the Bible tells us little about Jesus’ childhood—but what it does tell us is very revealing. At the age of 12, for example, Jesus went with His parents from their home in Nazareth to the city of Jerusalem.

Secondly, as a boy Jesus grew spiritually, and in His understanding of the Scriptures also. At the age of 12, Jesus went to Jerusalem with His family and He become separated from them. When Mary and Joseph finally found Him, He was in the Temple, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions” (Luke 2:46).

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:51-52). Never forget that Jesus was God in human flesh, from the moment of His miraculous conception. And because He was God as well as man, He was able to be the one final sacrifice for our sins.

The Bible simply says that as a boy “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). Those words indicate that even as a young boy Jesus knew He was unique, and was set apart by God for a special mission. The only glimpse the Bible gives us of Jesus’ boyhood years confirms this.

1971: The Jesus Generation. 1975: Angels: God’s Secret Agents—Publishers Weekly and The New York Times bestseller lists (21 weeks each), Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Platinum Book Award. 1977: How to Be Born Again. 1978: The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life—ECPA Gold Book Award

These words from Mark 2:17 demonstrate for us again the genius of Jesus and serve as an introduction to Ash Wednesday, a somewhat mysterious date on the Christian calendar which marks the beginning of Lent. It evokes the past, encourages us to focus on the present, and points us toward an inspiring future.

Dec 10, 2024 · He also shared the source of true peace: Jesus Christ. “The Bible calls Jesus the Prince of Peace,” Graham said about the program. “During this online special, we’re going to enjoy festive Christmas music from Cochren & Co., and I’m going to open up God’s Word to see how Jesus’ birth brought ‘peace on earth’ for all who believe.

1971: The Jesus Generation 1975: Angels: God’s Secret Agents — Publishers Weekly and The New York Times best-seller lists (21 weeks each); Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Platinum Book Award 1977: How to Be Born Again 1978: The Holy Spirit — ECPA Gold Book Award 1981: Till Armageddon — ECPA Platinum Book Award