After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. Luke 2:46 WEB
In chapter two of his gospel, Luke describes the yearly custom of Mary and Joseph going to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. Through his early years, the gospel portrays Jesus’ development describing him as strong in spirit and filled with wisdom. In addition, Luke tells us that the grace of God was upon him.
When Jesus was twelve years old, his family made their annual journey to Jerusalem for Passover. They traveled in the company of family and friends from Nazareth. At the close of the feast, the group began the return journey to their homes.
At the end of their first day of traveling, Mary and Joseph attempted to find Jesus among their relatives and friends but he was not with them. Alarmed, the two turned back toward Jerusalem to locate their son.
After one day of heading home without him, and another day returning to the city, on the third day, they found him in the temple discussing the scriptures with the teachers of the law of Moses. Luke tells us that Jesus amazed them with his understanding and his answers to their questions.
In My Father’s House
Remarkably, in contrast to the worry and concern of his parents, Jesus, though separated from his caregivers, is found calmly interacting with the teachers in the temple. Mary questions Jesus’ reason for worrying his parents through his absence and the young Lord responds with these famous words from Luke 2:48, “He said to them, ‘Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?’ WEB”
This story speaks to the humanity and the divinity of Jesus even as a child. Just like you and I, he sometimes worried his parents. Like the rest of us, he grew in wisdom and understanding. Being the Son of God, he knew the temple as his Father’s house.
Luke’s gospel message gives us a glimpse into the childhood of Christ and helps us to understand that the Lord, though sinless and righteous, lived a fully human life. Like Mary and Joseph, we too find Jesus in his Father’s house. We find him in a place of worship as Jesus says in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. KJV”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for loving me. Though lost to the world, may I always be found with you in your house. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Seek His Face Always
