12. Jesus’ Evolving and Righteous Independence

[125:4-6] As a newly recognized “son of the law,” Jesus questioned the temple teachers during Passover week. Even if it caused embarrassment, his manner of questioning so combined “sagacity and humor” that it “endeared him even to those who more or less resented his youthfulness.”(125:5.8) This 12-year-old Jesus tempered his love of logic and justice with the love of revelation and mercy in a way that could humble many full-grown adults today. How can we cultivate righteous independence in others today?