When Jesus was twelve years old, his parents took him with them to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of the Passover, which was their annual custom. Afterward, his parents were returning home. They were one day into their journey when they realized Jesus wasn’t with them. Can you imagine that? You’re the parents of the Messiah and you left him in Jerusalem and didn’t realize it for a full 24 hours. Makes me feel a bit better about some of my parenting blunders.
They returned [to Jerusalem] and after three days, eventually found their son in the temple courts sitting among the teachers. Luke 2:47 says, “Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.” I have heard this passage described as ‘Jesus teaching in the temple courts’. There is no doubt to me that He was teaching, however, the scriptures did not actually say that.
Here is what is said in the previous verse, Luke 2:46, “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.”
Do you see what I see? He was listening to his elders and asking them questions. Yet, the following verse says they were amazed at his understanding and his answers. You see, it was through asking questions and listening that Jesus engaged these leaders in conversation. As a result, he earned the right to speak into their lives and they were amazed by his understanding and answers. He obviously had great influence on them.
Would you like to have greater influence in your workplace? If so, consider what Jesus did. Begin with questions and listen with a heart that seeks to understand. This will help you to lead more effectively. If you do this, you’ll be applying the truth at work.