Jesus's Lost Years
What Did Jesus Do Between 12 and 30? The "Lost Years"
https://youtu.be/oTnZjoTgeHk?si=VGSNuW-kbhDOBmZb
The Gospels describe him growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people, and he was obedient to his parents.
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Birth and Early Life: Jesus was born in Bethlehem, circumcised on the eighth day, and presented at the Temple 40 days later.
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Flight to Egypt: To escape King Herod's plan to kill him, Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Egypt, later returning to settle in Nazareth.
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Life in Nazareth: Jesus grew in "wisdom, in physical stature, in favor with God, and in favor with others" (Luke 2:52). He was raised in a religious home, likely living as a normal child,, which included having siblings, playing, and helping with household chores.
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Age 12 at the Temple: During a Passover trip to Jerusalem, Jesus was found discussing scripture with teachers, stating, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?".
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Location and Life: He was raised in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee. His life was quiet and, except for a trip to Jerusalem at age 12, lived away from the public eye, often called the "hidden years".
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Family Structure: Jesus grew up in a large family with younger half-siblings (brothers and sisters) and likely near extended family.
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Education: He was educated at home by his mother and at the local synagogue, learning Jewish Law and scripture.
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Work: He learned the trade of a carpenter (or builder) alongside his father, Joseph.
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Only Gospel Account: Luke 2:40-52 is the only canonical story, telling of a 12-year-old Jesus traveling to Jerusalem for Passover, being left behind, and being found in the Temple discussing scripture with teachers, amazing them with his understanding.
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His upbringing was that of a devout, working-class Jewish boy, characterized by humility, obedience, and ordinary life in a close-knit community.
Apocryphal writings regarding Jesus's childhood:
- Joseph's (and Jesus's) trade? Carpenter or Builder?
- 'Contract' work in Sepphoris?
- Jesus's relationship with Joseph and Mary's family?
- Jesus's Brothers & Sisters: James, Joses (Joseph), Judas (Jude), Simon, "and His sisters".
- When did Joseph die?
- Was Jesus the family's provider in his teen years?
- Jesus's relationship with John the Baptist?