Luke 2:41-52 (Amplified Bible)
41Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year to the Passover Feast.
42And when He was twelve years [old], they went up, as was their custom.
43And when the Feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this,
44But, supposing Him to be in the caravan, they traveled on a day's journey; and [then] they sought Him [diligently, looking up and down for Him] among their kinsfolk and acquaintances.
45And when they failed to find Him, they went back to Jerusalem, looking for Him [up and down] all the way.
46After three days they found Him [came upon Him] in the [court of the] temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
47And all who heard Him were astonished and overwhelmed with bewildered wonder at His intelligence and understanding and His replies.
48And when they [Joseph and Mary] saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, Child, why have You treated us like this? Here Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You [distressed and tormented].
49And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me? Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father's house and [occupied] about My Father's business?
50But they did not comprehend what He was saying to them.
51And He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was [habitually] obedient to them; and his mother kept and closely and persistently guarded all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus increased in wisdom (in broad and full understanding) and in stature and years, and in favor with God and man.
Have you ever been unable to immediately find a child – yours or someone else’s child? It is a very frightening experience.
Jesus’ parents must have been worried sick. Afraid of what had happened to Him, wondering where He could be…
This passage is cited to show us that Jesus was submissive to His parents. This passage points out to us the ways in which Jesus grew – and I’m sure we are to emulate His growth patterns.
But something else – through prayer and meditations – comes to my mind: Where would people look for you if you were missing?
That’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? Or it could be an encouraging thought.
My mother came to mind. My mother was always busy, but there were certain times of the day when I knew where I would find my mother. In the mornings – school mornings – I would find her in the kitchen preparing for her family. In the evenings, I would find mother wherever I could find my daddy – and usually that was visiting with each other (late evening). If my daddy had just come in from work, I could find them sitting at the table drinking coffee. But I saved the best for last: when I got off the school bus, I knew I would find my mother – alone – sitting at the kitchen table waiting to visit with me. Little did I know, how those visits would shape and mold my life. Little did I appreciate the fellowship then; it was something that I took for granted, but how thankful I am now for that time.
When others – your friends, your family, your church family, God – when others think of you where do they think they will find you?
In reading some of Anne Graham Lotz’ books, she often mentions that she knew where her mother was at various times of the day. I’ve heard my parents speak of knowing where their parents were at certain times of the day or year.
My grown sons have often commented that if they needed their dad, he was always available and gave them his whole attention.
Where would we find you in the morning? In the afternoon? In the evening? On Sunday? On Monday? On Tuesday? On Wednesday? On Thursday? On Friday? On Saturday?
Are you known as a woman or man of prayer and Godly living? Are you known as someone who would be about the Father’s business?
The Holman Version says that Jesus said “Didn’t you know I would be in my Father’s house?”
The KJV says, “Didn’t you know I would be about my Father’s business?”
The Amplified:
Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father's house and [occupied] about My Father's business?
A little farther down it reads that Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
If we are not finding it necessary to be in our Father’s House and occupied with our Father’s business, then we will not be growing (increasing) in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.
Are you in your Father’s House – worshipping and serving? Are you in your Father’s World – worshipping and serving by your lifestyle? Are you growing in wisdom – both worldly and divine? Are you growing physically – taking care of the Temple that God has given you? Are you growing in favor (graciousness and gratefulness that has been influenced in a divine way) with God and man?
The Bible says that “there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is destruction.”
The Bible is also filled with the way to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. But you cannot find these truths if you do not open and study His Word. You cannot understand what you read and study if you do not spend time in prayer. You cannot do your Father’s Business if you aren’t involved with people – both in the world and in the church.
Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Are you?
**Lord Jesus, show me what I must do in order to grow to be like You. I want to serve you with my body and my spirit. I want to be known as a wise person that is occupied with my Father’s business. What a life you have entrusted to me! Use me, Lord! Instruct me now. Your servant is listening. Speak to my heart…
