Have You Ever Wondered What it Would Be Like

to have a perfect child? Joseph and Mary had such a child! Mary was the mother of Jesus and Joseph was the man God the Father entrusted to function as Jesus' earthly "stepfather".

Mary and Joseph realized from the very beginning that Jesus was an unusual child. Mary was told by an angel that she, while still a virgin, would have a child by the power of the Holy Spirit and that he would be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

On three separate occasions an angel spoke to Joseph. The first time was to advise him that he should "not be afraid to take Mary" as his wife because the child she was carrying had been conceived by the Holy Spirit (Mat 1:20-21). The second time was after the visit of the magi when he was told by an angel to "Get up! Flee to Egypt" because King Herod wants to kill the child (Mat. 2:13). The final time was when Herod had died and an angel told Joseph it was safe to return to Israel (Mat 2:19-21).

Then there were the words of the shepherds (Luke 2:16-20) followed by the prophecies of Simeon and Anna at the time Jesus was taken to the temple to be circumcised (Luke 2:25-39). All these things showed that the son that had entered into their family was no usual child.

It must have been quite something to have a child who came every time he was called, who did his homework without having to be constantly pushed and who was only too happy to do any chore promptly and without complaining. His brothers and sisters must have found these traits absolutely annoying.

At the same time much of his development would have been typical of other boys. He would have undoubtedly grown at a normal rate. Gradually, he would have developed his skills and abilities in the practical areas of life. It is fascinating to ponder how quickly he attained to a high level of competency as a carpenter.

As he became more knowledgeable in the various aspects of life his wisdom would have continued to develop. Similarly, as he became more familiar with the Scriptures his understanding of God would have grown deeper and richer.

We have no idea when he realized for the first time that he was the God-man. However, by the age of 12 he was able to state to his parents while in Jerusalem that "I must be in my Fathers house". Even though he realized his unique nature he continued to be subject to his parents while continuing to grow "in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and all the people" (Luke 2:49-52).

For a unique child like Jesus, his parents must have been quite unique themselves --- certainly one of kind! God would not have entrusted his son to just anyone!

Copyright. Bruce January 2006

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.

Copyright. Bruce January 2006

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.