According to Luke 3:23, Jesus started his public ministry when he was about 30 years old. We know that from 30 onward he was ambitious and hardworking. We know that he was very successful too, reaching the pinacle of his particular career path. When I look ahead to 30, I know that I just won’t have it all together like that in my own life. Jasonism is not going to sweep the world.
I’m 29 now and I already feel intimidated by what Jesus must have been like at my age. He knew what he thought about the entirety of the Law and the Prophets. He had his social and political views fully formulated. He was so convinced of his own beliefs that he could stand before a crowd of thousands and say, “Learn from me.”
That’s not me. But maybe Jesus had his awkward years too. Maybe he spent his share of time on the couch, spinning wheels and changing channels. He must have already been well read, but maybe his teachings and drive came to him in an epiphany. Maybe what’s scattered and diffuse can come into focus at about age 30.
That’s what I tell myself now but, whether it’s true or not, this is the last year I can think that maybe me and Jesus aren’t so different. Next year it’s obvious.