The Young Adult Jesus

Is there even a thing such as devotion to the Young Adult Jesus? We have devotion to the Christ Child and devotion to the Crucifix. We know and read about the last three years of Jesus’ life. If Jesus died at age 33, that means He must have been at some time, 26 years old (my age!).

I will do my best to describe Him to you. It is an awesome thing to meditate on!

Devotion to the Young Adult Jesus

Let us meditate on our own lives as well. In our own lives, do we skip a step? Do we skip from the infant child to the man on the cross? Do we go from teenager to adult in one sweep? Or, do we focus some of our time on the steps that lead us to the cross, and furthermore, the resurrection? Are we okay with living our own “hidden life?” Or do we wish we were living the “public life” at 33?

He is a Worker

Jesus works as a carpenter. Historically speaking, He probably works more with stone than with wood, as wood is scarce in the Holy Land. Still, He probably makes all sorts of things from locks on doors to ploughs.

Even before He begins His public ministry, Jesus is building, carving, creating, and working. Work is hard but work is also good. As God worked and created and carved us, Jesus does so with wood and stone.

Do we work hard? Do we know why we work? Do we accept that our work is not always “out there” and recognized by all?

He Likes Adventure

Jesus has a sense of adventure. He is a man who climbs mountains, swims in the River Jordan (at least wades in it to be baptized), and journey’s through the desert. Sometimes, He likes to just be alone on His adventures.

We know Jesus retreats to pray in the wilderness (Luke 5:16). Sometimes, He likes to be with just a handful of friends, such as His apostles, Peter, James, and John. Sometimes He likes to be with lots of people, like all of His disciples. He will even spend time with crowds larger than five thousand!

Do we like to hike or kayak? Do we make adventures in writing, playing games, or drawing? Do we ever retreat to pray and be alone with God? Do we have adventures with a group of friends? Do we know when it is time to join the crowd or go against the current?

He Likes to Have Fun

He likes music. From classic strings like the lyre, to a wilder tone from the drums. He likes to hear our voices, or else He would never allow songs during His Holy Mass.

He likes dancing as well. And He obviously likes wine. Just read about the wedding feast at Cana in John Chapter 2. Jesus experiences fun mixed with some alcohol. Weddings are definitely a favorite for recreation and having fun!

Do we allow ourselves to have fun and enjoy ourselves? Can we have a “good time” and remain holy and pure? Do we know when to start the dancing and drinking, and when to stop?

He is a Romantic

We are the Bride of Christ, and He is the divine Bridegroom. He pursues us and delights in us, and in pure chastity. Instead of being a “hopeless romantic,” I believe Jesus is a “hopeful romantic.” Afterall, “hope” is one of the great three virtues. I think He enjoys days at the beach and beautiful evenings. I know He likes spending quality time with us.

His romantic gifts are all around us. He may give us cool clouds to look at and meadows of flowers to pass by. He gifts Himself to us during Holy Communion.

Are we romantic? If not romantic, are we “in love” with God?

He is Vulnerable

Jesus is very vulnerable. First, coming to us as a little baby! Then, a life of humility that climaxes on Calvary where He is stripped of His clothing. Now, when we visit Him at Holy Mass or the chapel, just to say “hello,” we know Him in the substance of bread and wine.

This vulnerability leads to intimacy. He clearly wants to be intimate with us or He would not give us His very flesh and blood to consume. As the Eucharist is Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, we can meditate on Him as the young adult Jesus.

Are we vulnerable? Do we hide from God or hide things from God (which really does not do anything because hiding is impossible. See Psalm 139.)? Are we willing to give all that we have and all that we are (flesh and blood) to Jesus?

26

These are just a few things that stand out to me. Jesus is fully divine and fully human. If Jesus is fully human, then we can relate to Him in His work, adventure, fun, romance, and reliability.

Try praying with the young adult Jesus. Compare Him to yourself. Even if you are 67, you can still meditate on the 26-year-old Jesus. Let us join Him in work and play and prayer!

Through Esther’s Eyes

If you are interested in the early years of Jesus, and what it would be like to be good friends with Him, I recommend my new novel, Through Esther’s Eyes. It will be coming out in September.