I must be in my Father's house ...

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

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So far in the book of Luke we have read about events surrounding the birth of John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus. The scriptures are silent concerning the life of Christ before his public ministry with the exception of this story. I think that the story tells us a few things about the preteen Jesus. Firstly I think that the story tells us that he was a normal human boy who did not consider his parents feelings. Secondly it tells us of his divine nature.

I think that it is so intriguing to read that, at this early age, Jesus understood that God was his father. Unlike today, this was a very radical idea. It speaks to me of how Christ understood his nature and his mission long before he emerged at the Jordan River. It also tells me that our life message must be anchored in the Fatherhood of God. If we, as children of God, embrace this identity we will also increase in wisdom, in stature and in favor.

For the joy of being your child I am so thankful Father. Help me to honor our family today.