This brought up something to ponder, for me anyway:)
The passage about Jesus in the temple made me think of the time when he was twelve and stayed behind, Luke 3:41-47. The people there were astonised at his knowledge.
Do you think he was born with that knowledge, or were his parents good parents and taught him well. (Deut 6:7)
Were the people astonished because his knowledge was that of an adult, or just that of a 12 year old. I know from experience that adults are facsinated by a kid who even has a little knowledge of the bible.
One time when my son was 6 and my daughter 3, Charlie was learning the books of the bible for Sunday School, we practiced in the car on the way to town alot. Of course Jenny was sitting there the whole time. One Sat. we went to the airport to pick my parents up from a trip. A convention in Tulsa of Church of Christ preachers was ending and the airport was full of preachers catching flights home. One was sitting next to us. Jenny, 3 was sitting there singing "Jesus Loves Me," the guy next to her (the preacher, I didn't know he was a preacher) started asking her if she went to church, and what else she knew, suddenly she started reeling off the books of the NT, some were pronounced wrong, but there was no mistake what she was saying. The man almost fainted, it was real funny, I didn't realize how much she had picked up, There were several other preachers and such there they were Amening her and praising God. It was kind of funny. But see how people can react to a child with a little knowledge. I wonder if that was how it was when Jesus was 12, or if He was born with all knowledge. Just something to think about.
I have a feeling people were not that much different back then from what they are today, about being as diligent to teach their kids about God. If they had I think more of the Jews would have recognized Jesus.
Becky
I think that He was born with an innate wisdom, but I think that He had to learn things just like a regular human does. Which means that he learned from His parents and His extended family. If Jesus Incarnate had from day one all the knowledge of God, I don't think that's fair. He wouldn't be a man like us.
Were the people astonished because his knowledge was that of an adult, or just that of a 12 year old. I know from experience that adults are facsinated by a kid who even has a little knowledge of the bible.
I think he probably asked and answered some questions that displayed a much higher, adult level type of understanding. I don't think he was being patronized.
Your story reminds me of a commercial where the same thing happens. Except the kid is learning the state capitals. The little sister spits out "Montpielier" when the the older brother is stammering on "Vermont."
I think it interesting that you recall teaching the books of the Bible, when today wordsmith talked about teaching his kid the Nicene Creed.
SD