Listening, Loving, and Learning

"After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them."  Luke 2:46 (CEB)

He was 12. And Mary and Joseph were desperate to find their son. Relieved to see him safe but surprised to see him like this.  They assumed him to be among the community/family traveling to and from Jerusalem for Passover; they find him instead smack dab in the middle of a surprising community.  Surprising because he's 12 ... and they were not.  This is the only experience we have a glimpse of from Jesus' adolescence and, in my opinion, it is our first "sighting" of that glorious authority that disrupts, changes, heals, and brings life.

This is what I see as I look on that surprising expression of community.  I notice that Jesus was not teaching, at least not in the ways that cause our suspicion; he wasn't lecturing, lining people out, or preaching at folks.  He was listening, asking questions, and, no doubt, watching.  At 12 years of age, the Son of God was engaging those with more education, more experience in the 'church,' more experience in the role of teacher, and more respect from those around the circle, so to speak.  I have no difficulty in assuming that Jesus was engaged in the community and absorbed in the exchange; he'd been present with them for 3 days!  Why stick it out if you're not engaged?!

The more amazing picture my imagination paints is this one:  an almost-grown Jesus listening, learning, and teaching in his own way over-against a picture of a 30-something Jesus challenging the Teachers, in general, because of their misunderstanding and misappropriation of the truth.  It may look as if Jesus' authority was exercised only in that second picture, but I believe there was - and is - a beautiful reality of power and authority in that quiet exchange that was rooted in listening and asking questions.

Makes me consider my own experiences of community and how I participate in those communities.  How much listening and watching and asking questions do I do in order to learn more or to invite others to find their rightful place in the community?  Or, am I more concerned with getting my point across, defending my position, presenting a winning argument?  Am I attentive to recognize and receive the Truth no matter who speaks it?  Or, can I recognize that being in the room is not the same as being in the community gathered in the room?

Jesus, My Lord, I am very aware that your example of being in relationship with others, especially being in community with others, is often different than my own.  I long to be more comfortable with asking questions, truly listening, and trusting what I observe around me instead of holding my breath until my contribution is welcomed and received.  I commit myself to be concerned first with welcoming and receiving you as you present yourself through others and the gift of community.  Let it be so.