Jesus Work Before His Public Ministry
Some claim that Jesus went to India to receive training for His ministry during His early years before His public ministry. But to find out where Jesus was before He started His ministry and what He was doing, we need to look closely at Luke chapter 2.
In this chapter, we read the story of Jesus’ first visit to the temple at the age of twelve “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:51,52). This passage clearly shows that for 18 years, before He started His ministry, Jesus remained dutiful as a son to those who were His earthly guardians.
During these 18 years Jesus became known to His fellow townsmen as “the carpenter” of Nazareth (Mark 6:3) and “the carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55). During these 18 years Joseph died and Jesus took on the responsibility for taking care of His mother. Luke 2:51 is the last indirect Scripture reference to Joseph in the narrative of Christ’s life (verse 48).
Mary, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit was Jesus’ teacher. She used the Holy Scriptures and nature as His subject matter. Jesus received excellent training at an early age which was evident when He was talking with the religious doctors at His first temple visit. “And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (Luke 2:46,47).
Jesus’ childhood and youth were years of harmonious development of His physical, mental, and spiritual powers. The goal toward which He aspired was to reflect perfectly the character of His Father in heaven. As for the ability to work miracles, which some claim that Jesus learned from India, God Almighty gave Jesus the power to perform miracles. “Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs” (Acts 2:22).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
