Jesus sasses his parents

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

Jesus, help me try not to have a "smart mouth" when I answer adults! Amen.


JESUS SASSES HIS PARENTS

Jesus went with Mary and Joseph to Jerusalem for a festival, but afterward, they couldn't find Him. Three days later, they found Him in the temple, talking with Jewish teachers and surprising everyone with His answers. "We've been so worried!" Mary scolded. "Why?" Jesus answered. "Didn't you know I'd be in my Father's house?"

Most kids have been accused of having a "smart mouth" or "sassing" sometimes: A grownup asks a question, and your answer isn't exactly polite and respectful! (In fact, any answer that starts with, "Whatever," or, "Well, duh," will probably get you in trouble.)

It seems like even Jesus did that at least once in His life. In this week's Gospel (Luke 2:41-52), Mary and Joseph think Jesus got lost - but when they finally find Him, they're not happy with His answer about what happened.

Getting accused of sassing your parents usually starts with a question you think has an obvious answer. "What happened?" your mom asks, reading a note sent home from your teacher. "You already know, so why ask me?" you snap back. But your mother didn't want to hear you smart-mouthing her; she wanted to hear your explanation for getting in trouble.

In Jesus' case, it was even worse. He didn't just get in trouble at school; He wandered away from His parents in a big city and it took days to find Him. Mary and Joseph must have been terrified - but all Jesus said was basically, "I'm the Son of God; wasn't it obvious I'd be at the temple, my Father's house?"

Some smart, sassy answers are true, even though they're not what the adults want to hear. Jesus really didn't seem to understand why Mary and Joseph would be worried about Him. He may not have meant to sass them - but they probably expected an apology anyway!

12/24/09