JESUS BEGINS WALKING

I will love to talk with Mary, Jesus’ mother.  I want to know what he was like as a child.  Did Jesus exhibit the normal characteristics of a two year old?  Did he throw a toy or refuse to eat his peas?  Did he organize Olympic Games for the boys?  How old was he when he went to work in his father’s carpenter shop?  So many questions.  And not one answer.  

Would you join me as I picture one scene with Mary and Jesus?

Jesus and Mary are standing outside their home.  Jesus is touching his mother’s arm and speaking softly.  Mary is looking up at him; her eyes glistening with almost tears.  She had told herself, “I will not cry.”  As hard as she tried, the tears were ready to spill out.  She willed them back.  “I will not send my son off with tears.  I want to send him off with a smile.  I want to send him off with love and a prayer.”  

The day had started early and the day Mary dreaded was going to begin.  His favorite foods were prepared.  He would soon be eating breakfast.  She could hear him moving around, but could not understand why he was not packing anything.  “I am only going to take the clothes I wear.  Don’t worry.  It will be fine.  Yes, mother.  I will take the staff father made.  It is strong and comfortable in my hand.  He instructed me, but my father’s skills were much better than the son’s.  Or at least this son’s.”

Jesus ate his breakfast as Mary hovered over him.  It was as if Mary was trying to prevent him from finishing his breakfast.  She kept looking at the door.  Willing it to be so solid that it would not open.  It would not allow him to leave.  BUT, she knew the door could not hold him back.  She knew that no amount of adding food to his plate would keep him here.  All these years, she knew he would leave.  It is the natural progression of life.  Ever since she saw him, in the temple courts, listening to the teachers and asking them questions, she knew he was not going to be a carpenter, safe in his shop. And deep in her heart she felt fear.  

Jesus stood up and said, “Thank you for the breakfast.  You are the best cook in all of Galilee!  It is time for me to go.  I must ….”

“I know son.  I pray your journey will be safe, that you will find companions to walk with you, that many will be saved when they hear you preach, and thatJHWH will guide your every step.”

Jesus and Mary are standing outside their home.  Jesus is touching his mother’s arm and speaking softly. With a kiss on her forehead, Jesus tells his mother goodbye.  He reminds her, “I will see you at the wedding.  It will not be so long until I see you again.”

Jesus turns and walks away.  

And a mother’s tears will no longer be held back.