Childhood

1. Why does the Bible say so little about Jesus' childhood?

God inspired the authors of the Bible to write only what God wanted them to write. In His book, God tells us what we need to know to be saved. He does not give a complete history of creation or of Israel. John 20:30-31 tells us that many events in the life of Jesus were not recorded. All we need to know about His childhood is that He honored His earthly parents and that His wisdom and favor with God became increasingly evident (Luke 2:47, 51, 52).

2. Why are the childhood stories of the Apocrypha not included in the Bible?

The attitude and behavior ascribed to Jesus by these sources are not in line with His characteristics as described in the gospels.

3. Was the child Jesus aware that He was the Messiah?

When He was 12 years old, His parents found Him in the temple after a three day search. When His mother questioned His behavior, He replied, "Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" He was quite aware of His special relationship with His Father in heaven, a relationship to which He would refer many times later in His life.