Keeping the Main Things, the Main Things: Focus

New Year 2023

Message One

Luke 2:41-50.

ETS: Jesus focused on the Father’s business.

ESS: We need to focus on the Father’s business.

OSS: [MO: Consecrative] {SO: I want the hearers to commit to seeking after and doing the Father’s will.} Cognitive: I want the hearers to know the focus of Jesus. Affective: I want the hearers to feel the confidence Jesus had in His Father’s business. Psycho-Motor: I want the hearers to prioritize the Father’s business.

PQ: What important factors are present in this text?

UW: Factors

Intro.:

TS.: Let us examine together a few factors now.

The first factor is the separation factor. (vv. 41-43)

The text records the family traveling to Jerusalem to attend the Passover Festival. This was customary of Jewish families, as they (particularly males) were required to attend the Jewish festivals. Jewish boys, once reaching age 13, were considered adults and also required. It was not uncharacteristic of Jesus to be present, and even the women of really devoted Jewish families.

However, upon the journey home, the text records the separation of Jesus from His parents and those traveling. This was not to be a factor of negative parenting. They traveled in large crowds including family and neighbors. It is suspected that even mothers and fathers traveled at different parts of the crowds. Thus, it is easily assumed by one or the other (or both) that He may have been with the other.

The second factor is the search factor. (vv. 44-46a)

Upon realizing that Jesus was not with them, the text records Mary and Joseph searching for Him. It reports that they searched for three days. This timeframe likely includes the first day being the day of departure; the second day being the day of realization of the separation; the third day being the day they found him upon arriving back in Jerusalem.

The third factor is the single focus factor. (vv. 46-49)

The text records Jesus being in the temple among the rabbis listening to their teaching and asking questions. This is unique for a few reasons:

It was unusual for a boy to be among the rabbis.

It was important to note that He was in the temple.

The text records Mary and Joseph’s response tot the situation: why would you do this to us?

It also records Jesus’ reply that reveals His focus:

The things pertaining to the Father

The fourth factor is the slight misunderstanding factor. (v. 50)

They did not understand Jesus’ response. Reading further, we understand Jesus’ goal was not to disobey or be insubordinate towards Mary and Jospeh. His goal was simply to communicate that His purpose and focus was that of His Heavenly Father.

They did not understand this. Likewise, the world will not understand our obedience to our Father and prioritizing His will. What an opportunity we have!

CONCLUSION:

[1] For the year 2023, it is pertinent to keep the main things, the main things. One of those is focus: we must focus on our Father’s Will and His interests for our lives.

[2] What is it that God has created you for this year? What is it that God wills for you in this situation? this year? this day?