My nephew asked this question regarding Jesus:
Dear Uncle Chris,
I have been wondering, do you think Jesus knew he was God and the purpose he was on earth for when he was very young? If so, how do you think he knew? If no, how do you think he found out?
Love ya,
Carter
My answer:
Carter,
I apologize for now responding sooner. Your question regarding the Lord Jesus is an important one. You’ll have to really turn on your mind to think about this one. Have your mom help you think about some of the big words. (Just for fun, I put up a picture of your mother with Jamie and me when she was not that much older than you are. I was in seminary at the time. Your mom was probably about 11).
When Jesus submitted to the Father and was willing to be born (Philippians 2:5-7)- – – here is a big phrase we use in theology – – – “he temporarily set aside the independent use of all of his divine attributes” – – – meaning that he chose for a time not to exercise all of his power and omniscience. Though he NEVER ceased being God nor were any of these attributes ever anything less in Him.
But for a time Jesus chose not to use all of his divine attributes. Mary really did take care of Him.
It was only as Jesus grew and became strong and was filled with wisdom (Luke 2:29-40) that Jesus brought into clarity his identity and call. By the time he was about 12, I think he understood in his humanity his identity (Luke 2:41-52) with an emphasis on both verses 4:49-52.
(You might want to think about the implications of Luke 2:51 for your relationship with your mom and dad!)
Your question has many practical implications. For example, “was Jesus truly tempted in every way just as we are? (Heb 4:14-17).” The answer is “yes”. But if he was not truly human (without ever ceasing to be God!) than he would not have been tempted in every way.
We ought also to think about Jesus’s example in being so humble. Paul said that this “mind” should be among ourselves. That has a lot of application for how you relate to your little sister, Eden! (See Philippians 2:5-7).
It is important in answering your question to emphatically stress that Jesus in no way ever stopped being God. From the first Christmas on, he was 100% God and 100% man. Still Jesus did increase in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. And Jesus was always, and will always, be God.
I think I have answered your question correctly. But you may want to compare my answer with your pastors or other theologians. We will also see if anyone weighs in on my blog to sharpen my answer just a little.
You might also want to read this post about what happened in May of the year 325 (which was before even your grandmother was born)
I hope to see you in a little bit if my back is up to the trip. I was planning to come back for the funeral tomorrow. But when I put my suitcase in the car, my back seized up a bit. . . .I am, indeed, an old uncle.
Love,
Uncle Chris
Thanks for the answer! I wonder if Mary told Jesus or if he had a vision or if he just knew in his heart. I wonder if he ever used his power as God before he knew he was God, like if he ever healed someone without knowing.
I’m sorry about your back. I hope you can come.
I think probably knew through a combination of his parent’s input, but also as he was taught the Word of God. Jesus performed His miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit – – – I do not think he ever healed someone without being aware – – -at least that is my initial inclination. And my initial inclination is to think it is very important not to think Jesus was somehow “magical” in terms of being touched by Him. Of course, there was a woman who touched Jesus in a crowd to be healed. But Jesus was immediately aware.
Notice in Luke’s Gospel (3:22) how Jesus baptism and the Holy Spirit signal the beginning of Jesus’ “official” ministry.
Very good insight for a 9 year old,I too have a question..If we are all born with sin,then how did god choose Mary as his mother? Would that also mean that Jesus was born with sin? Are there any writings of Jesus as a young boy,young man? Why does it seem the bible only really talks “and us also” of him in his 30`s…We do know he was a carpenter…When was Jesus really born? I do know it was not Dec,so why do we celebrate it then?..I`m sorry but we changed his birth to fit what? And it does upset me”yes here goes the feelings”that Children as well as do alot of us adults associate christmas with Santa Clause instead of the birth of Christ……..ask any child what chritmas means to them,most say presants,or Santa clause is coming..I`m not saying this is a bad thing..children should have something to make their world exciting and something to look forward to..But the two SHOULD NOT be on the same day..NO hate remarks Please..this is not what this is about…just thinking out loud…
I do know the bible talks alittle of Jesus as a young man,but not much..
Excellent, simple, and to the point! I like it!!
Good answer. The key must lie in holding the truth that Jesus was fully God and man. Often the tendency is to think it was Jesus’ divinity that helped his humanity along, that is, he was really sinless because he was divine. In order to hold to the truth of fully God and fully man we must be dogmatic about his human experience. In his humanity he was sinless because he chose not to sin, not because his divinity was supporting his humanity. Interesting that you mentioned the Holy Spirit in the comment above. Jesus closest and best companion while he was on earth was indeed the Holy Spirit, and it is incredible to realize that we have been given the very same Spirit to be our companion as well.
Great thoughts Scott. Very helpful.
Great thoughts and questions Valerie. I’m in Iowa at my mom’s so I’m limited in my time.But because Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit he was not born in original sin.
I think it’s good that we celebrate at Christmas time, but certainly too bad that it has gotten so commercial.
I think I see a children’s book in your future.
I don’t know. Kids ask tough questions. And if you try and be evasive, they follow up with another question.
I think I would buy that book Chris if you wrote it for children..Why not write a book of questions children ask or have asked you…we adults could learn from them..and yes they do follow up with other and even tougher questions…after all knowledge is a wonderful gift to share………..