The boy Jesus

In this passage, Luke gives us the keynote question that gives a window into the childhood of our Lord: "Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?"

The episode in which that statement is made is framed by two summary statements that carry us from the infancy through the childhood into the manhood of the Saviour, and conclude Luke's introduction. We see someone who is truly human, truly divine, fitted by his carefully-chosen environment for the work that the Father had given him to do.

There are abundant lessons here about him and for those who follow him, and also hints and helps for parents and for children.