Dear Theophilus: Growing Up in God’s Story — The Faithful Childhood of Jesus 

From the beginning, Jesus’ life was marked by faithful obedience to God’s law, divine affirmation, and growing wisdom. His parents fulfilled every requirement of the Torah, and in the temple, two Spirit-led servants—Simeon and Anna—recognized him as the long-awaited salvation for Israel and the world. As Jesus grew, so did his favor with God and people. At age twelve, he astounded the teachers in the temple with his understanding, revealing a deep awareness of his identity and mission, yet still honoring his earthly parents. Through it all, his life displayed the unfolding of God’s promise to redeem and restore.