Teenage years

After all the hoopla and celebration of Jesus’ birth, and an adventure into Egypt, His history pretty much dries up. We know of how He wandered off to be found talking and teaching in the temple. I used to think that His comment to Mary was kind of rude. She was a mother, beside herself in fear that her son was missing (I mean, who wants to be the person who lost the Son of God) and she was understandably upset. When Jesus said, I must be about My Father’s business, it was that snarky kind of comment any young man would make. All teenagers say mean things to test their boundaries, and assert their future independence. And like all young men, I now think He meant it as a statement, not a slap. Jesus may even have been confused that she had concern at all. He assumed she knew His schedule. But as 100 percent human, Mary was not in the loop of all that God had planned.
After years of listening to scholars and preachers, I changed my view. Instead of wondering why Jesus stayed to be with the elders, I wonder why He went back home with the folks.

Jump to one of the next Jesus stories that we are aware of. The wedding at Cana.
So we have adult Jesus at a party. All goes well and then the wine runs low. So Mary let’s Him know and  cuts her down again. He is asking “what do you want Me to do about it?” But He means that her concern about wine will be addressed at the right time. He doesn’t mean to be dismissive but knows she needs patience. She gets it and just tells the wait staff to keep an open mind, cuz something great is about to occur.
Now this is the time some people question why Jesus made more wine when He could have made juice and delivered a sermon on the evils of alcohol. Yes, someone did mention that once to which I replied...keep it in context. Remember place and time and era and it isn’t a promotion of alcoholism. It was a courtesy and a real gift to the hosts.
So Jesus saves the day at the wedding and a simple miracle becomes the turning point. The two stories intertwine now, because Jesus is truly going into the Father’s business.

I don’t know about you, but for me the story is about to get real interesting.