John 2:13-17
Verse 13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
Once again our storyline takes a bit of a jump in time. We go from Jesus being a 12 year old boy learning the ropes of Passover as an adult to Jesus going to His first Passover during His ministry. Since this was very early in His ministry there weren’t a lot of people who knew about Him outside Nazareth, Cana and the Galilean region. There may have been some who remembered the boy from Passover those many years ago but when Jesus headed to Jerusalem for this Passover, He knew more about who He was.
This Passover was definitely going to be different than any previous festivals. In years past He would have gone from the young man learning what it meant to be a Jewish man, to being the man of the home after Joseph died. He would likely have been the one to lead the family – Mary and His siblings – in the Passover meal, to this year where He also had His disciples with Him. But His travel mates weren’t the only things different.
Since the age of 12 He had apparently been learning about His true identity and His God-given purpose. Mary noticed how much He was learning about Himself or she wouldn’t have had Him change the water into wine at the wedding they had recently attended. The miracle which happened through the faith of the servants revealed His glory for the first time causing His disciples to believe in Him.
As He made the journey to Jerusalem He may have been traveling with His family and the disciples. His thoughts could have been more reflective as He thought about what the next few years would hold. As they sang all the various songs of ascent, the words may have struck Him different. They may have given Him greater comfort while reminding Him of His mission on earth.
Singing words like those in Psalm 121:1-2 must have given Him a great boost on His way to this special Passover. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” The word translated LORD is Yahweh, the proper name of God. Jesus knew this name very well. His relationship with His Father had deepened since that Passover when He was 12.
Making It Personal
What events in your life have led to a deeper relationship with God? Were they pleasant experiences? What verses do you draw comfort from during the hard times in life?
Making It Personal Kids
Has anything ever happened in your life which made you want to be closer to Jesus? Does knowing Jesus make you feel safe? Do you know any verses to help you think about Jesus when you are scared?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for being a comfort for us, for always being there to strengthen us and give us the wisdom we need. Please help us remember how to hold tight to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.