Our Father’s Business (Luke 2:41-50)


The Bible provides us with very little information regarding the boyhood days of Jesus, but Luke shares this one story when Jesus was 12 years old. I’m sure you are familiar with this passage of scripture.

Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem when Mary and Joseph had left for the journey home. They didn’t realize He wasn’t with them, and after a three-day search, where did they find Him? In the Temple. He was sitting among the teachers of the Old Testament, listening to them, and asking questions.  The Bible says that everyone that heard Him were astonished, amazed at His level of understanding about the scriptures. It baffled them all. When Mary and Joseph found Him, they too were amazed that He was in this setting and asked Him why He did not leave with them. The answer He gave left them somewhat puzzled. He said to them, “didn’t you know I had to be about my Father’s business?” In fact, the text indicates they did not understand what Jesus meant by that (verse 50).

I find this story to be quite remarkable. That priority number one for the 12-year-old Jesus would be in the temple (His Father’s house), teaching the scriptures. Wow! Let’s face it, for many Christians today, time in church competes with time at the lake, on the golf course, time shopping, eating out with friends, or many other activities. Unfortunately, those activities are placed before, time in church.

Maybe we could all learn something from this boyhood story of Jesus. Of course, there are other things that can be drawn from this story, but let’s make sure we get this one: Nothing is more important than our “Father’s business.” Living for God, sharing our faith, learning about our great God and Savior, must rate high on our list of priorities.

Are you busy about your Heavenly Father’s work? If not, perhaps you could learn something from a very special 12-year-old boy. Hummm?

The Pastor's Pocket
Pastor Bruce Freeman 

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