Father, guide us through our lives. Increase our knowledge of your will.
We know very little about Jesus as a boy. We know he lived in Nazareth at the very north of Israel. This was probably to keep him (and Mary) as far away from the rulers in Jerusalem. Herod had already tried to kill him just after he was born and had killed all the children under 2 in the town of Bethlehem.
He also needed to be kept away from the Jewish leaders. Like modern day times, when any government changes the old government officials tend to fall out of favour. This is especially true where the change has been part of a military coup. And for those still in power they try to protect their own interests.
At that time the Jewish leaders belonged to a political party called the Sadducees. These held the belief that ritual and the temple was more important than the faith. (The previous) Herod was very influential with them, rebuilding the temple and ensuring that they were allied with him, encouraging them in their materialistic aims. This meant that they could spend the taxes on the temple buildings, improving their appearance and furnishings. And as a side benefit their own houses and meeting halls. As a result they were only interested in money and position, which Jesus often criticised them for during his ministry, and anyone who opposed them was asking for trouble.
The other thing we can assume about Jesus was that he would have helped, and probably been trained by, Joseph as a carpenter. Woodworkers than didn't have the power tools we do now. Woodwork took a lot of time, patience and knowledge of how to use the wood in the best way. How to work with the wood, not against it.
One of the early accounts is about Jesus visit to the temple when he was twelve, and how he was left behind when his parents assumed he was with their relatives. After three days they found him in the temple discussing old testament teaching with the scribes and priests. We're not quite sure just how Jesus got his understanding. It may have been that God talked to him directly during his prayers in the same way the we have a conversation with someone else. We know that angels 'came and ministered unto him', so we could also assume that he had these conversations with them as well. But the main point is that he wanted to learn, and to obey God.
But it is his answer to his parents that shows his maturity. He knew at that age just what was expected of him. Maturity does not refer to age, but responsibility. At twelve he was mature enough to make his own decisions. There are quite a few these days who still aren't mature at 70! It's only been the last 50 years or so when the official 'age of maturity' has increased. Prior to the mid-1900s most 'boys' became 'men' at 14 when they were expected to go out and earn a living. In some places it was much earlier.
Luke chapter 2 ends with "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Favour and respect are things which must be earned. Jesus had to work hard to maintain this. Working hard and giving his all was something he did right throughout his life.
In what way can we demonstrate that we are 'mature'?
How can we increased in wisdom and stature?
How can we be favour with God and man?