A Scriptural Consideration Entry

“Honor your father and your mother.” —Exodus 20:12

A Scriptural Consideration Entry

The sun was already low over Jerusalem, throwing long shadows through the courtyards. The festival was over. People were packing up, walking home in clusters, tired but full of joy. It should’ve been a simple journey. But somehow—Jesus wasn’t with them.

He wasn’t lost. He wasn’t hiding. He was right where he felt he needed to be—in his Father’s house, deep in thought, asking questions, listening, absorbing. His parents, though—Joseph and Mary—they were panicking. When they finally found him after days of searching, it was Mary who spoke first. She didn’t say, “Oh, there you are,” or “We were so worried.” She said, “Why did you do this to us?” (Luke 2:48)

Now pause there. How many of us, even at twelve, wouldn’t have wanted to speak up—to explain, to defend, maybe even to say, “That’s not fair”? But Jesus didn’t. He simply said, “Didn’t you know I had to be in the house of my Father?” That’s all. No drama, no attitude. And then? He went home with them. And remained obedient. (Luke 2:51)

It says they didn’t even understand what he meant. And yet, Jesus still chose to honor them.

That hits deep.

Especially if you’re a young one reading this—if you’ve ever felt misunderstood or unheard, if your parents have made decisions that didn’t make sense to you, or maybe even blamed you unfairly. That can sting. But think about this: Jesus gets it. He literally lived it. And he still chose obedience. Not because his parents were always right, but because his Father—Jehovah—was always watching. Always pleased.

Colossians 3:20 says: “Children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” Not “in everything as long as it makes sense.” Just… everything. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy. But it does mean it matters.

When you obey—even when it’s hard—you’re not just being a good son or daughter. You’re making Jehovah smile. And that counts for a lot.

Because he sees. He knows. And just like that day in Jerusalem, he never loses sight of you.

Watchtower, October 2023, pages 7-8, paragraphs 5-6