What did Jesus do between the ages of 12 and 30?

The period between the ages of 12 and 30 in Jesus’ life is often referred to as the “silent years” because the New Testament provides little information about what Jesus did during this time. The Gospels focus primarily on His birth, a brief account of His visit to the temple at age 12, and then pick up the narrative again at the beginning of His public ministry around the age of 30.

Biblical Accounts of Jesus’ Early Years

The Bible offers limited but significant glimpses into Jesus’ early life. The most detailed accounts are found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Jesus’ Birth and Early Childhood

The birth and early childhood of Jesus are described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Matthew 2:1-23 describes the visit of the wise men, the flight to Egypt, and the return to Nazareth. This passage ends with the family settling in Nazareth: “And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.'” (Matthew 2:23 NKJV)

Luke 2:1-39 provides a more detailed account, including Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, the visit of the shepherds, and His presentation at the temple. After these events, the family returns to Nazareth: “So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” (Luke 2:39-40 NKJV)

Jesus at the Temple at Age 12

The only specific incident from Jesus’ youth recorded in the Bible occurs when He is 12 years old. This event is found in Luke 2:41-52: “His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.’ And He said to them, ‘Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:41-52 NKJV)

This passage provides valuable insight into Jesus’ early spiritual development and awareness of His unique relationship with God. However, it is the last specific event recorded in the Gospels until the beginning of His public ministry.

The Silent Years: Inferences and Context

Although the New Testament is silent about the specific activities of Jesus between the ages of 12 and 30, we can infer several things based on the cultural and historical context of the time, as well as the broader biblical narrative.

Jesus’ Family and Social Environment

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee. His family was likely of modest means, as indicated by the offering they made at the temple (Luke 2:24) which was allowed for those who could not afford a lamb (Leviticus 12:8). The Savior lived in poverty, that He might teach us how to faithfully walk with God in the most difficult situations.

Matthew 13:55-56 provides insight into Jesus’ family: “Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” (Matthew 13:55-56 NKJV)

This passage indicates that Jesus had a sizable family, including brothers and sisters. Growing up in this family would have involved normal social and familial responsibilities.

Jesus’ Education and Work

During those years, Jesus did not attend the synagogue schools. He was probably home-schooled by His mother. It is reasonable to assume that He received a typical Jewish education for boys of His time. This would have included learning to read and write and studying the Hebrew Scriptures.

Luke 4:16-17 describes Jesus reading from the book of Isaiah in the synagogue, indicating His knowledge of the Scriptures: “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written.” (Luke 4:16-17 NKJV)

Additionally, Jesus is often referred to as a carpenter, suggesting He worked in this trade.

Mark 6:3 states: “Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?” (Mark 6:3 NKJV)

This passage confirms that Jesus worked as a carpenter, which would have been a respected trade in that culture. This work would have provided Him with skills, discipline, and an understanding of the daily life and struggles of ordinary people.

The silence of the Scriptures concerning the years between 12 and 30, demonstrates a vital lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of young adult, the more in harmony with nature, the more favorable is it to the physical and mental energy and to spiritual strength.

Spiritual Development and Preparation

While the New Testament does not describe the specifics of Jesus’ spiritual development during these years but it clearly states:

Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates a deep understanding of Scripture, an intimate relationship with God, and a profound awareness of His mission. This level of spiritual maturity and knowledge likely developed over years of prayer, study, and reflection.

Insights from Non-Canonical Sources

Various non-canonical sources and apocryphal writings provide stories about Jesus’ youth and early adulthood, but these accounts are not considered authoritative or reliable by mainstream Christianity. Examples include the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew, which contain fanciful and miraculous stories about Jesus as a child. However, these texts are not part of the canonical Scriptures and are generally regarded as later attempts to fill in the gaps left by the New Testament.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the New Testament provides limited information about Jesus’ life between the ages of 12 and 30. The Bible offers a brief glimpse of His early childhood and a significant event at age 12, but then remains silent until the beginning of His public ministry. Despite this silence, we can infer several things about this period based on historical and cultural context.

Jesus likely grew up in a typical Jewish family in Nazareth, receiving a standard education and working as a carpenter. His spiritual development and preparation for His ministry involved deepening His understanding of Scripture and His relationship with God. Although the Bible does not provide specific details, the broader narrative suggests that this period was crucial for His growth in wisdom and favor with God and men.

Ultimately, the “silent years” of Jesus’ life remind us that God’s preparation and formation often occur in the hidden and ordinary moments of life. His emergence as the Messiah and His subsequent ministry were built on a foundation of years of faithful living, learning, and growing. The mystery of these years invites us to reflect on the ways God works in our own lives, often unseen and unnoticed, preparing us for His purposes.

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In His service,
BibleAsk Team