Left Behind | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Left Behind | Previous Challenge Entry
By Evelyn Alexander
11/26/25
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As soon as they entered the crowded city, the cacophony of voices and noise was almost deafening. Coupled with the intense stress he was already feeling, Joseph could feel the painful throb in his head begin to build.

The tired voice of his wife beside him interrupted his thoughts. She half moaned while staring at the massive crowd. “All these people still here. How will we ever find our son?”

Wrapping a protective arm around her shoulders, Joseph leaned down so she could better hear him. Thoughtfully and caringly, he answered, “We begin by retracing our steps, praying as we go, trusting God for guidance.”

Staring into his face, she patted the strong hand that encased her shoulder so protectively, and gave a tentative smile and nod in agreement. “You are right, my love. He is in God’s hands as are we. We will trust Him to guide us as He wills.”

Gaining strength and encouragement from each other, and the knowledge that God was with them, they entered the crowded flow of people, looking for that familiar face they so desperately wanted to find.

Meanwhile, their son was safe and doing well in the home of a kind Pharisee, a well-known leader in Jerusalem. His own young son, Nicodemus, had found him the evening before, just before the sun was fully down. He was standing alone, gazing at the thinning crowd as if looking for someone. It was getting late so Nicodemus greeted him, and being concerned for his safety, asked if he was alone.

The boy told him that in all the confusion of readying to return home from Passover week, his parents and the other families with them inadvertently left him behind. He knew his parents would return for him when they saw he was missing. But the group was large, so of course he had no idea when that would be.

The man was proud of his son who on his own did the right thing. He brought the young stranger home with him so they could show him the kind of hospitality that would be pleasing to God. He seemed to be an exceptional boy – an amazing bright spot in their lives – so the family had no concerns about inviting him to stay with them until his parents returned.

The days passed quickly, and the boy’s visit ended abruptly when he and Nicodemus with his father were at the Temple, having a lively discussion with the teachers there. They were all astonished at the depth of questions and answers from one so young as he. Everyone was enjoying the stimulating conversation when the voice of Joseph calling his name rang throughout the courtyard. “Jesus!”

All eyes turned to his parents as they rushed toward him, both grabbing and hugging him at the same time in joyful relief.

As his mother was lovingly admonishing him for their scare, an old priest pulled Joseph aside and quietly told him, “Do not be rough on the boy. He has spiritual insights well beyond his years. He is a blessing – a gift from God – who is destined to be the greatest Teacher who’s ever lived … even greater than Hillel.” He then gently patted his chest, and with surprising intensity declared, “I feel it here! May God be praised.”

After they thanked Nicodemus and his father for taking such good care of their son, and saying goodbye to the teachers, they made their way to the gate of the city. With joyful hearts they chatted away for they had much to catch up on. But their happy chatter was suddenly interrupted with a shout of, “Stop thief!”

Joseph gave a sudden gasp when the fleeing figure roughly shoved Mary aside. Grabbing her before she hit the rough stones, he heard a man behind yelling at the top of his voice, “Stop! I know who you are, Barrabas! And I won’t let you get away with this!”

The thief suddenly stopped and turned. His eyes surprisingly locked on Jesus. He seemed confused … hesitant. Then hardening his face, he quickly turned and escaped through the gate. Puzzled, Joseph asked his son, “Do you know him?”

Staring at the spot where the thief had been, Jesus shook his head no. As they continued their walk, Mary saw Jesus look down in thoughtfulness, and barely heard what he softly said to himself, “I don’t know him … yet. But I believe some day I will.”

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