The King James version uses odd terminology: (began to be about thirty?). But the point of the verse above is, Jesus was 30 when he began his public ministry. How old do you plan to be when you begin your “public ministry” or some other great work? In our culture, most people launch careers in their twenties or younger.
The same was true in Israel. Children were trained at home and would have understood the family business at a young age. Making tents or selling fabric or even carpentry are skills that, as they say, are not rocket science. But Jesus was going to do so much more, right? He was going to be a priest like none other, a priest who is ALSO the sacrifice. His role would require not only education, but great wisdom.
I like this note from my Bible:
“Imagine the Savior of the world working in a small-town carpenter’s shop until he was 30 years old! It seems incredible that Jesus would have been content to remain in Nazareth all that time, but he patiently trusted His Father’s timing for his life and ministry. THIRTY YEARS was the prescribed age for priests to begin their ministry. Joseph was 30 YEARS OLD when he began serving the king of Egypt, and David was 30 YEARS OLD when he began to reign over Judah.”
Great points! I would add that following the apparent death of Joseph, Jesus needed to build the business up to the point that it could provide for his mother and younger brothers until they were prepared to take it over.
The editors add a note of application:
“Like Jesus, we need to resist the temptation to jump ahead. Are you waiting and wondering what your next step should be? Don’t jump ahead—trust God’s timing.”
God, give us the faith to patiently trust you, no matter how our plans may be delayed. We praise you because YOU are in control!
ΑΩ
Household Words: 