Week 3
We only have one story about Jesus as a child. It is when he was 12 years old while his family
was in Jerusalem for Passover. When Passover was over Mary and Joseph headed for home,
thinking Jesus was with their family as they traveled. At the end of the day, they looked for Jesus
and could not find him.
If this does not seem possible, let me assure you it is. My wife and I left one of our sons at church after VBS, thinking that he was with the other. It was not until we both got home that we discovered that we left him behind. Fortunately, we were able to call the church and have someone stay with him until we got there 3 minutes later.
On the other hand, it took Mary and Joseph 3 days to find Jesus. There was no phone to call ahead and have someone wait with him. In fact, they did not know exactly where he was. I cannot imagine the sense of panic they experienced during those three long days.
They finally found him in the temple talking with the teachers. He was asking questions and giving his opinion about scripture passages. Everyone was amazed at his understanding. Mary and Joseph were amazed, but also very angry. Mary scolded Jesus for treating them that way. Jesus told her this.
If this does not seem possible, let me assure you it is. My wife and I left one of our sons at church after VBS, thinking that he was with the other. It was not until we both got home that we discovered that we left him behind. Fortunately, we were able to call the church and have someone stay with him until we got there 3 minutes later.
On the other hand, it took Mary and Joseph 3 days to find Jesus. There was no phone to call ahead and have someone wait with him. In fact, they did not know exactly where he was. I cannot imagine the sense of panic they experienced during those three long days.
They finally found him in the temple talking with the teachers. He was asking questions and giving his opinion about scripture passages. Everyone was amazed at his understanding. Mary and Joseph were amazed, but also very angry. Mary scolded Jesus for treating them that way. Jesus told her this.
Luke 2:49 (NIV)
[49] “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?”
[49] “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?”
And Jesus was not talking about the carpentry shop. You see, Jesus had learned how to live in
the Father’s house. He read scripture, prayed, attended the synagogue, observed the Israelite
rituals – not just for the sake of being a good Israelite. He wanted to grow closer to God and live
in his house. He was preparing for the time when the Father would call him into a specific
ministry. But for now, he would learn and grow. This is what the passage says next.
Luke 2:51-52 (NIV)
[51] Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. [52] And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
[51] Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. [52] And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Jesus would continue to stay home and take care of his family. We do not know when the family
lost Joseph, but he is no longer mentioned when Jesus starts his ministry at about the age of 30.
As the oldest son, Jesus cares for his family until he starts his ministry. It all happened according
to God’s timing.
As we enter the Father’s house, we too learn and grow. God also has a special ministry for each of us as well. We all are given a certain personality, talents, and interests. God calls us to live with him and to share the grace and peace we receive from that relationship with others. We too are called to be about our Father’s business. We may have discovered what that is. We may still be searching for that. Either way, it is ok. It is all a matter of God’s timing. If you are seeking, he will help you find it.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.
As we enter the Father’s house, we too learn and grow. God also has a special ministry for each of us as well. We all are given a certain personality, talents, and interests. God calls us to live with him and to share the grace and peace we receive from that relationship with others. We too are called to be about our Father’s business. We may have discovered what that is. We may still be searching for that. Either way, it is ok. It is all a matter of God’s timing. If you are seeking, he will help you find it.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.