As we get ready to celebrate Memorial Day and to honor those who have served our country through military service, I share with you a bit of humor.
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed young Alex was staring up at a large plaque that hung in the foyer of the church. The plaque was covered with names, and small American flags were mounted on either side of it.
Seven-year-old Alex asked, “Pastor McGhee, what is this?”
“Well, son, it’s a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”
Little Alex got a worried look and in an inquisitive voice asked, “Which service, the 9:00 or the 11:00?”
Children like to ask questions. So did Jesus. When he was twelve years old, his family made their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover feast with their extended family. At the conclusion they left for home, thinking that Jesus was in the group somewhere. But after searching for him during the first day, his parents returned to Jerusalem to see if he had stayed behind and gotten lost.
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:46-49)
There is always something to learn in the Kingdom of God. And even as a twelve-year-old, Jesus loved talking about his Father’s business and seeking greater understanding. Yes, Jesus had things to learn. We understand that he was the Son of God and the only perfect person, but his need to learn as he grew up is based on our doctrine that Jesus emptied himself of his equality with God in order to live among us as a man, fully God in origin, but fully a servant of God in the likeness of man.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. (Philippians 2:5-7)
At age twelve he already understood that God was his Father, and God’s house was his true home. Twelve was the age at which a child became an adult in their tradition, and their focus was now on learning and growing in the image of the Father. So, Luke says at the end of this story, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
That is a great statement for us to embrace for our focus as believers.
I hope you attend services somewhere this weekend, as you continue to grow in wisdom and understanding and in favor with God and man.
Giving thanks this weekend for those who died in service to our country,
Chaplain Mark