The first recorded words of Jesus in the Bible were spoken when Jesus was twelve years old.
     His earthly parents had taken Him to Jerusalem for the Passover. This was a yearly custom for the devout, and Jesus most likely had gone with them every year and returned with them as usual, so they were not concerned when they left, even though He was not at their side. They assumed that He was travelling with their relatives and neighbors (Luke 2:43, 44), as He probably had done on previous trips. When Joseph and Mary finally realized that Jesus was missing, they hurriedly returned to Jerusalem to look for their Son.

     They eventually found Him and we are told that after three days of frantic searching;They found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors (theologians) both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers (Luke 2:46, 47).

     Jesus’ parents were naturally relieved to find their Son at last, and at the same time very upset because of the anguish He had caused them by His disappearance.
     His mother asked Him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Look, your Father and I have been searching for you sorrowing” (verse 48).
     Jesus was perplexed by their concern. He thought they knew Him well enough to understand that His priority was to be about His heavenly Father’s work.
    Why were you looking for Me? Didn’t you know that I must be about My Father’s business?

    As followers of Jesus, His priority must also be our priority. We must also be about our Father’s work. When the religious service is over, and the crowds are returning to their homes, the disciple remains behind, at least in the heart where the true temple of God is built, and our Father resides (Ephesians 2:19-22).
     For the disciple, serving God is the purpose of their lives, whether it be at their jobs, at home or a mission field; and that work is to proclaim the Gospel of His Son, helping to disciple others and being His hands and feet to minister God’s care to the poor and the hurting.

    We must be about our Father’s business.

Copyright 2016 by H. D. Shively

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