My Father’s Business
Luke 2:39-52; Isaiah 62:1-2; Acts 1:8
The Jewish Law required adult males to attend three feasts, Passover,
Tabernacles, and Pentecost in Jerusalem. The distance was a problem for most
families so most Jewish men attending Passover as the primary feast. Joseph,
Mary, Jesus and the larger family traveled to Jerusalem for Passover. Jesus was 12
years old beginning his preparation for next year’s responsibility to his religious
community as a man. When Jesus decided to remain in Jerusalem following the
Passover without his parent’s knowledge provides the background for this first
conversation. Here we have a concern, a conversation and a conclusion.
Concern Luke 2:44-47
Unaware of Jesus absence as the family returned to Nazareth. Unable to locate
Jesus with the relatives and friends they returned to Jerusalem. Unrealistic place
to find Jesus was in the Temple courts. Understandably shocked by what Jesus
was doing. Listening to the teachers of Jewish law and Scripture and responding
to their questions which amazed everyone.
Conversation Like 2:48-50
Mother’s question: Why? Mary must have overlooked what she observed in her
anxiousness forgetting the astonishment of the moment to question her son. It
became personal: Why have you treated me and your father like this? Mother
and father Joseph was upset by the experienced by Jesus’ absence. Monumental
explanation: Why are you surprised and upset and looking for me? Don’t you
understand I had to be in my father’s house! Moment a lack of understanding.
Jesus preaches in the Synagogue in Nazareth opens the scroll to Isaiah 61:1-2
Jesus’ mission under the direction of his heavenly Father was to repair and heal
the broken relationship between God and man. Broken by sin, errors in
judgement, cruelty of others, tragedies of life, complexities of life and the
destructive power of evil. Jesus had to engage with his mission of redemption of
mankind. Jesus asks the same of us today engage with the mission of healing the
hurting and helping everyone to know the love of God. Will you be about the
Father’s mission and Jesus commission to us? Acts 1:8