"In Mental Distress"

When Jesus was 12 years old, Joseph took the family to Jerusalem as usual. It was Passover, a festive time, and large families traveled together in  long caravans  through the lush spring countryside. As they approached the starker landscapes near lofty Jerusalem, many would sing the famous psalms of ascent.  (Psalms 120-134)  The city may have teemed with hundreds of thousands of people.  Afterward, the families and their caravans began to head homeward.  Joseph and Mary,  perhaps with much to do, assumed that Jesus was traveling with others, maybe family members.  Only after Jerusalem lay full day behind them did they realize  a terrifying truth-Jesus was missing! -Luke 2:41-44. 

Frantically, they traced their steps all the way back to Jerusalem. Imagine how empty and strange the city seemed to them now as they paced the streets, calling out their son's name. Where could the boy be?  By the third day of searching, did Joseph begin to wonder if he had failed terribly in this sacred trust from Jehovah? Finally, they went to the temple.  There they searched until  they came upon  a chamber where many learned men, versed in the Law, were gathered-with young Jesus sitting among them!  Imagine the relief Joseph and Mary felt! -Luke 2:45, 46.

Jesus was listening to the learned men and eagerly asking questions. Then men were amazed at the child's understanding and his answers. Mary and Joseph, though, were astounded. In the record, Joseph is silent. But Mary's words speak eloquently  for both of them:  "Child, why did you treat us this way? Here your father and I in mental distress have been looking for you." -Luke 2:47, 48

Thus in a few deft strokes, God's Word paints a realistic picture of parenthood. It can be stressful-even when the child is perfect!  Parenting in today's dangerous world can  bring untold  "mental distress," but fathers and mothers can take comfort in knowing that the Bible acknowledges the challenge they face. 

Next time: Conclusion of "In Mental Distress"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2012