Luke 2:40-50 (New King James Version)
40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,[a] filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. 41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother[b] did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” 49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Many circles of families and friends are close and exhibit love to one another. It’s nice to know that you’re in the thoughts of many who care about you; those who pray the best for you and are willing to give in any way to help you along your way. In this passage of Scripture, Jesus had grown to be a twelve year old and was strong in spirit and filled with wisdom. When His earthly parents (Joseph and Mary) questioned why Jesus had treated them in away that caused them worry, He answered in a way that they did not understand. He said, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
As I pondered this Scripture, I thought about all that had been revealed to Joseph and Mary years prior. Mary conceived the Child of the Holy Spirit. The angel of the Lord had appeared unto Joseph and confirmed this. They knew that He was the Son of God, but when Jesus answered them saying that He had to be about His Father’s business, they did not fully grasp the meaning of what He was saying. The Scripture goes further to state that His mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Mary knew it was a great call on her life to carry the Son of God in her womb. The favor of God was upon her life. And like a mother, she bonded closely with this Child. Although she was fondly attached to Jesus, He was not exclusively hers. God gave His only begotten Son to die for a fallen world. Mary didn’t want anything bad to happen to Jesus. As the Scripture states, they (Joseph and Mary) went back to seek Him. As a mother, she felt responsible for His well-being … but God cares for us best.
As we venture out into the world to do His will, our loved ones may be concerned for our safety and well-being. There are negative and cruel people in this world, but we must be about our Father’s business. As Christians, we are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. This is not to be about ourselves, but to be about advancing the Kingdom which is our Father’s business.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men,” Colossians 3:23.
There are many out there about their business; many who seek to advance themselves. But the Bible states, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matthew 6:33.
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly,” Psalm 84:11.
