“On My Father's Side”

You may remember the account from the Bible of the time when Jesus was twelve years old and tarried in Jerusalem while Mary and Joseph returned home, only to find that He was not among their caravan. When they returned to the city, "they found him in the temple" in the midst of the teachers, "both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" (Luke 2:45-49). Here are some of the questions they might have asked, and the answers He might have given.

What is your name?
On my mother's side, it is Jesus. On my Father's side, Emmanuel.

Where are you from?
On my mother's side, I was born in Bethlehem. On my Father's side, I came from the portals of glory.

How old are you?
On my mother's side, I am twelve years old. On my Father's side, I am from everlasting to everlasting.

What religion are you?
On my mother's side, I am a Jew from the house of David. On my Father's side—before Abraham was, I am.

Do you think you will ever amount to anything?
On my mother's side, I will be despised and rejected. On my Father's side, I will, throughout eternity, be worshipped and adored.

What are your plans?
On my mother's side, I will go to the cross and die. On my Father's side, after three days in the tomb I will burst forth.

How will we know you?
On my mother's side, you will see the nail prints in my hands and feet. On my Father's side, I will be seen as a Lamb standing as if it had been slain, and riding a white horse with many crowns upon my head.