Mary and Joseph in Luke 2: 40-52: A case of parenting for Christian parents at Moree

Abstract

This study looked at parental responsibility of Mary and Joseph from the gospel of Luke 2:40-52 in relationship with the Christian understanding of parenting in

Moree community. The study also examined the rights of the child pertaining

to children within the constitutionally enacted laws of Ghana and its relationship

towards the total welfare of the child. The hermeneutical design employed to examine the text in Luke 2:40-52 was the text-centred narrative criticism approach. Through a facilitated rigorous close reading with objectivity, the text

established the theme of parenting by Mary and Joseph. The text demonstrated how Mary and Joseph played their role as responsible parents. They provided the basic necessities their child depended on for growth and development like; feeding, clothing, shelter and medical care as seen from how Jesus grew from childhood to adolescent hood. In addition, Mary and Joseph inculcated spiritual and moral disciplines in Jesus with their Jewish religious faith and practices for attaining wisdom and favour towards intellectual and moral growth dimensions to ensure holistic developmental growth for their child. The text climaxed with how Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus with compassion when he got missing during a pilgrim advent in Jerusalem. The study was then pointed to parental perversion in Moree community where unacceptable traditions entrenched in cultural values infiltrate against conventional standards on child care delivery and practices is deliberated. Thus the study recommended the parental model of Mary and Joseph to the Christian parents at Moree for adoption and practice. The study then summoned the Christian community to embrace parenting as part of religious requirement in obedience to God and contribution to nation building and development.