Jesus' Parents Made Mistakes

Remember the story of Jesus’ trip to Jerusalem withi His parents at 12 years old? (If not, you can read it in Luke 2.41-51) Joseph, Mary, Jesus, and the rest of their family make their yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem to observe Passover (more on this point in a bit), and this passage shows us a couple of things that perhaps could have gone better.

First, they “supposed Him to be in the caravan” (2.44).

One could argue they should have checked on Him, perhaps they never had to worry about that sort of thing with Jesus (because, well, He is Jesus).

Second, when they do find Jesus in the Temple, they failed to understand that His being there was His purpose. The text says they didn’t understand Jesus’ response to their exasperated question in v.48, and so Jesus returns home with them and “continued in subjection to them”. They had reason to know where He was and what He was doing. But, they missed it!

In Mark 3.20-21, 31-35 we find a more serious shortcoming by Mary and Jesus’ brothers. From the reports of the crowds that followed Jesus, His family assumed that “He has lost His senses” (Mark 3.21) and “went out to take custody of Him”. In v.31-35 they came to do that: “This His mother and His brothers arrived, and standing outside they sent word to Him and called Him.” (Mark 3.31). Jesus responds by calling His followers “brother and sister and mother” (v.35).

Now, we haven’t any idea about what happened to Joseph. There is no reference to him after Luke 2. However, Mary (along with her sons) have not responded to Jesus’ ministry favorably at this point. They missed it! Mary, as a parent, made mistakes. What can we learn?

Be willing to admit wrong and repent, like Mary. (Acts 1.12-14) Mary’s interaction with Jesus’ message of the Kingdom changes following His death. In Acts 1.12-15, Mary is among those who are praying together in Jerusalem! Mary shifted from concerned mother to believer in Jesus. Parents: all of us are first-time parents. We MUST be willing to admit our mistakes, and repent of them!

Seek out veteran parents. (Luke 1.39-40; Titus 2.1-5)

The moment Mary finds out she is pregnant with the Messiah, the FIRST thing she does is head to the home of an older relative, who just so happens to be pregnant also! Titus 2.1-5 teaches this same principle of the older generation teaching the younger. Don’t let pride or embarrassment prevent you from reaching out for advice and help as a parent.

Teach your kids about God. (Luke 2.41)

For whatever Joseph and Mary got wrong, they got one thing exactly right. Luke 2.41: “Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.” Their going to Jerusalem “every year” indicates that they were Jews faithful to God. God was important to them, and they taught their kids! Look: If we mess up the homework, feed them too many chicken nuggets, or even leave one in Jerusalem at the Temple, make absolutely sure that we have taught them about God, about Jesus, and about the Bible. THAT is our highest priority as parents.