Where else would we be?

Luke 2:41-52 is the Lectionary text for Christmas I (or should be). 

Jesus the “Tweenie.”  It was the Passover, and they all went to Jerusalem to celebrate it. 

 It was a time of joy for the people of God, but they were under the occupation and oppression of Rome’s empire.  The meaning of Moses’ confrontation of Pharaoh, the plagues and the Exodus would maybe mean something different in a time of oppressive occupation.  They were exiled in their own land under a new “pharaoh.”  The fruits of their labor did not go for their families but to continue to build the empire under which they suffered.  The cruelty of those who believed themselves superior was felt in every aspect of life.

 And this pre-teen Jesus went to the Temple.  He went unnoticed as they sojourned back to their own place under occupation.  They noticed when they stopped after a day of walking.  They could not find their son.  They returned to Jerusalem.  After three days of searching for the missing Jesus (note this), they found Jesus in the Temple, asking the teachers questions.  The four questions of the Passover Seder did not cover His concerns.  But it was not like the children asking in the Seder.  They were amazed at His ANSWERS.  Jesus was teaching them.  They marveled at His level of understanding.

 This was Jesus’ sweet spot.  This was His wheelhouse.  Already He is recognized for embodying the Law of God.  He knew exactly where He was and what He was supposed to be about.  This was His confirmation.  Maybe for Him, maybe for the Temple leadership or for His parents, but He was now standing in His own faith before the leaders of the Temple, declaring what He believed.

 And this precocious pre-teen sassed His mother in His declaration of where He belonged.  Mom played the guilt card, but Jesus in matter-of-fact fashion preaches His purpose and calling to His parents.  He went back with them and was obedient to them, seemingly waiting and growing in “wisdom and in divine and human favor.” 

 On the first day in my 7^th Grade homeroom was when I told my class that I would grow up to be a pastor.  I did not know exactly what that meant, but that is what came out of my mouth when our homeroom teacher asked us all what we would like to do with our lives.  I was in church often.  It was my sanctuary from the chaos, anxiety and cruelty of an oppressive home occupied by an abuser.  It felt safe.  It felt like a place where I could collect thoughts shaped by what I heard there in the preaching and teaching of the Gospel.  I was at the church building multiple times a week for classes and activities, but also sometimes just to sit in the dark, still sanctuary and ask my questions, and wrestle with the answers.  I was determined to live differently and to be different.

 In times when our lives are occupied by forces beyond our control, when we are oppressed and abused, turning to God is very natural.  Finding the serenity in moments of wisdom and understanding, Grace and Truth can save our lives for a time.  Gathering with other people facing their own occupations and oppressions can help us feel that we belong, are understood and can stand for another day or week.  Where else would we be?  We have a Loving and Gracious heavenly Father, whose steadfast love and mercy endure forever.  Also, we worship the God of deliverance from oppression.

 I often think about that time with pre-teen Jesus in the Temple and wonder if the discussion may have centered on God’s deliverance of them from empire, just as God had done generations before with God’s people in Egypt.  How could an occupied and oppressed people, exiled in their own land, not think that as they celebrated the Passover together?  My thoughts quickly go to those who are suffering under the oppressive occupation of empire in our own land, here and now.  Those who are systemically, intentionally and cruelly held down, back and out for generations may be able to identify with Jesus here, and with a people who turn to God for deliverance.  Knowing that God sides with the oppressed throughout history, perhaps there is some hope, some solace and determination to be found in pondering God’s presence with us in steadfast love.

 And when others may ask them why they turn to this God, who has seemingly allowed them to be put in this plight for hundreds of years, perhaps they will answer “Do you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

 Whatever your occupied and oppressed life may look like, please know to whom you belong.  God’s steadfast loving mercy endures forever.  God delivers, using others who have been oppressed and who have been called to stand up to and speak truth to power and lead God’s people to their freedom.  Perhaps God will use you, too for that purpose in the lives of those around you.

 

Pastor Jamie