The Bible doesn’t give us many details about Jesus’ boyhood, because its emphasis is on His ministry—especially what He did to save us from our sins through His death and resurrection.

But the glimpses we do get suggest some important things about His early years. First, like any other boy, He had to grow and become strong, both physically and mentally. For example, as a boy, He probably went to school (as almost all Jewish boys did in those days). The Bible says that as a boy He “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

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). When they asked Him what He was doing, He replied, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). He already realized He had a special relationship with God.

Never forget that Jesus came down from heaven for one reason: to save us from our sins. He willingly left heaven’s glory and became a man, living in the midst of this world’s sin and violence. Why? Because He loves us. Have you responded to His love by giving your life to Him?