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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