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WHEN GOD GOES MISSING Part 1
WHEN GOD GOES MISSING Part 1
WHIRLPOOL FROM WHEN GOD GOES MISSING
WHIRLPOOL FROM WHEN GOD GOES MISSING
I. Introduction
I. Introduction
When we think of all the things that would come to mind in this thought on the Missing God.
When we think of all the things that would come to mind in this thought on the Missing God.
Allow me to mention 2 very important things that every PARENT WOULD THINK OF.
Allow me to mention 2 very important things that every PARENT WOULD THINK OF.
a. Where is He .
a. Where is He .
b. What is he doing
b. What is he doing
For every Parent when their Child goes missing,
For every Parent when their Child goes missing,
Where are they.
Where are they.
What are they doing.
What are they doing.
illustration when 2 of us went missing when we were young at Redcliffe.
illustration when 2 of us went missing when we were young at Redcliffe.
When God Goes Missing
When God Goes Missing
luke 2:45
Luke 2:45 (KJV 1900)
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
The God /man was missing at the young age of 12.
The God /man was missing at the young age of 12.
They could not find HIM.
They could not find HIM.
so they went seeking HIM
I] WORKBOOK OF TEMPLE CUSTOM IN THE DAY OF JESUS
so they went seeking HIM
I] WORKBOOK OF TEMPLE CUSTOM IN THE DAY OF JESUS
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.
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.
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 company, they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.
His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking 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.
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 they 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 looking for you anxiously."
And when they 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 looking for you anxiously."
And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you now know that I must be in my Father's house?"
And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you now know that I must be in my Father's house?"
And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and grew in favor with God and man.
And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and grew in favor with God and man.
This is the only story in the gospels about Jesus between his infancy and his public ministry as a man.
This is the only story in the gospels about Jesus between his infancy and his public ministry as a man.
Some have argued that the story is a legend created by the early church to fill in some of the gaps in their knowledge of Jesus' life.
Some have argued that the story is a legend created by the early church to fill in some of the gaps in their knowledge of Jesus' life.
What shall we say to this claim?
What shall we say to this claim?
Fact or Fiction?
Fact or Fiction?
First of all, we should be aware that in the second and third centuries many legends arose about the boy Jesus and were put into numerous apocryphal gospels—accounts of Jesus which the early church rejected as not having the authority of the four earliest gospels which we have in the New Testament.
First of all, we should be aware that in the second and third centuries many legends arose about the boy Jesus and were put into numerous apocryphal gospels—accounts of Jesus which the early church rejected as not having the authority of the four earliest gospels which we have in the New Testament.
Two things speak for the wisdom of the church in recognizing the authority of only Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Two things speak for the wisdom of the church in recognizing the authority of only Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
A.One is that there are so few stories about Jesus' childhood in them that it is clear that the writers were not interested in feeding the pious curiosity of the church with legends about Jesus' childhood.
A.One is that there are so few stories about Jesus' childhood in them that it is clear that the writers were not interested in feeding the pious curiosity of the church with legends about Jesus' childhood.
They are content to leave almost 30 years of blank space in Jesus' life, because their interest was on the heart of the gospel not peripheral matters.
They are content to leave almost 30 years of blank space in Jesus' life, because their interest was on the heart of the gospel not peripheral matters.
B.The other thing is that the one story which Luke does include there in Luke 2:41–52 is so reserved that it is very unlike most of the legends of Jesus' childhood.
B.The other thing is that the one story which Luke does include there in Luke 2:41–52 is so reserved that it is very unlike most of the legends of Jesus' childhood.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
It does not portray him as doing any supernatural deed or speaking in an unduly authoritative way.
It does not portray him as doing any supernatural deed or speaking in an unduly authoritative way.
The story reaches its climax and main point not in a supernatural feat but in the sentence:
The story reaches its climax and main point not in a supernatural feat but in the sentence:
"I must be about my Father's business (or in my Father's house)" (v. Luke 2: 49).
"I must be about my Father's business (or in my Father's house)" (v. Luke 2: 49).
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
Contrast this with some of the legends which grew up later on.
Contrast this with some of the legends which grew up later on.
From the Infancy Gospel of Thomas (2nd century):
From the Infancy Gospel of Thomas (2nd century):
When this boy Jesus was five years old he was playing at the ford of a brook, and he gathered together into pools the water that flowed by, and made it at once clean, and commanded it by his word alone.
When this boy Jesus was five years old he was playing at the ford of a brook, and he gathered together into pools the water that flowed by, and made it at once clean, and commanded it by his word alone.
But the son of Annas the scribe was standing there with Joseph; and he took a branch of a willow and (with it) dispersed the water which Jesus had gathered together.
But the son of Annas the scribe was standing there with Joseph; and he took a branch of a willow and (with it) dispersed the water which Jesus had gathered together.
When Jesus saw what he had done, he was enraged and said to him: "You insolent, godless dunderhead, what harm did the pools and the water do to you?
When Jesus saw what he had done, he was enraged and said to him: "You insolent, godless dunderhead, what harm did the pools and the water do to you?
See, now you also shall wither like a tree and shall bear neither leaves nor root nor fruit."
See, now you also shall wither like a tree and shall bear neither leaves nor root nor fruit."
And immediately that lad withered up completely; and Jesus departed and went into Joseph's house.
And immediately that lad withered up completely; and Jesus departed and went into Joseph's house.
But the parents of him that was withered took him away, bewailing his youth, and brought him to Joseph and reproached him: "What a child you have who does such things."
But the parents of him that was withered took him away, bewailing his youth, and brought him to Joseph and reproached him: "What a child you have who does such things."
After this again he went through the village, and a lad ran and knocked against his shoulder.
After this again he went through the village, and a lad ran and knocked against his shoulder.
Jesus was exasperated and said to him: "You shall not go further on your way," and the child immediately fell down and died. But some, who saw what took place, said: "From where does this child spring, since every word is an accomplished deed?"
Jesus was exasperated and said to him: "You shall not go further on your way," and the child immediately fell down and died. But some, who saw what took place, said: "From where does this child spring, since every word is an accomplished deed?"
Here is one more example from the Arabic Infancy Gospel:
Here is one more example from the Arabic Infancy Gospel:
One day, when Jesus was running about and playing with some children, he passed by the workshop of a dyer called Salem.
One day, when Jesus was running about and playing with some children, he passed by the workshop of a dyer called Salem.
They had in the workshop many cloths which he had to dye. The Lord Jesus went into the dyer's workshop, took all these cloths, and put them into a cauldron full of indigo.
They had in the workshop many cloths which he had to dye. The Lord Jesus went into the dyer's workshop, took all these cloths, and put them into a cauldron full of indigo.
When Salem came and saw that the cloths were spoiled, he began to cry aloud and asked the Lord Jesus, saying: "What have you done to me, son of Mary?
When Salem came and saw that the cloths were spoiled, he began to cry aloud and asked the Lord Jesus, saying: "What have you done to me, son of Mary?
You have ruined my reputation in the eyes of all the people of the city; for everyone orders a suitable colour for himself, but you have come and spoiled everything."
You have ruined my reputation in the eyes of all the people of the city; for everyone orders a suitable colour for himself, but you have come and spoiled everything."
And the Lord Jesus replied: "I will change for you the colour of any cloth which you wish to be changed"; and he immediately began to take the cloths out of the cauldron, each of them dyed as the dyer wished, until he had taken them all out.
And the Lord Jesus replied: "I will change for you the colour of any cloth which you wish to be changed"; and he immediately began to take the cloths out of the cauldron, each of them dyed as the dyer wished, until he had taken them all out.
When the Jews saw this miracle and wonder, they praised God.
When the Jews saw this miracle and wonder, they praised God.
After such stories, the account in Luke 2:41–52 seems a bit drab—and that is precisely what speaks in favor of its authenticity. It does not appear to be motivated by a desire to overplay Jesus' uniqueness.
After such stories, the account in Luke 2:41–52 seems a bit drab—and that is precisely what speaks in favor of its authenticity. It does not appear to be motivated by a desire to overplay Jesus' uniqueness.
The claim to uniqueness is much more subtle and that accords with the way Jesus acted most of the time. In addition the Greek language of the story is almost certainly a translation of the Semitic language of Palestine, which means that it was not created, like many of the legends, in Greek-speaking areas far removed from the land of the eyewitnesses.
The claim to uniqueness is much more subtle and that accords with the way Jesus acted most of the time. In addition the Greek language of the story is almost certainly a translation of the Semitic language of Palestine, which means that it was not created, like many of the legends, in Greek-speaking areas far removed from the land of the eyewitnesses.
On the contrary, it is Jewish in content and language and, therefore, probably originated in Palestine; and the most likely source for the story is Mary.
On the contrary, it is Jewish in content and language and, therefore, probably originated in Palestine; and the most likely source for the story is Mary.
We know from Luke 1:2 that Luke puts a high premium on eyewitness confirmation.
We know from Luke 1:2 that Luke puts a high premium on eyewitness confirmation.
2 Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
We also know from Acts that while Paul was imprisoned for two years in Jerusalem and in Caesarea, his sidekick Luke was probably roaming around Jerusalem interviewing old-timers and collecting information for his gospel.
We also know from Acts that while Paul was imprisoned for two years in Jerusalem and in Caesarea, his sidekick Luke was probably roaming around Jerusalem interviewing old-timers and collecting information for his gospel.
And finally we have seen three times so far in Luke's gospel that he mentioned people keeping experiences in their hearts, that is, remembering them.
And finally we have seen three times so far in Luke's gospel that he mentioned people keeping experiences in their hearts, that is, remembering them.
In Luke 1:66 he said that all who heard how John the Baptist was born "laid it up in their hearts, saying, 'What then will this child be?'"
In Luke 1:66 he said that all who heard how John the Baptist was born "laid it up in their hearts, saying, 'What then will this child be?'"
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
In Luke 2:19 after the shepherds had come to Bethlehem, Luke says, "But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart."
In Luke 2:19 after the shepherds had come to Bethlehem, Luke says, "But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart."
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And then here at the end of our text in Luke 2:51 it says, "And his mother kept all these things in her heart."
And then here at the end of our text in Luke 2:51 it says, "And his mother kept all these things in her heart."
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
Isn't the most likely reason for mentioning this storing up of memories to give Theophilus and us a clue as to how he, a Gentle foreigner, was able to write as much as he did about Jesus' childhood?
Isn't the most likely reason for mentioning this storing up of memories to give Theophilus and us a clue as to how he, a Gentle foreigner, was able to write as much as he did about Jesus' childhood?
Therefore, in view of how few are the gospel narratives of the child Jesus, and how much more reserved they are than the apocryphal legends, and how great Luke's concern is to trace things out carefully and confirm it with eyewitnesses, and how Jewish the setting and language is, and how easily available Mary probably was, it seems to me that the claim that this story in Luke 2:41–52 is legendary is wrong and probably stems from an unwillingness to own up to the main point of the story, namely, that Jesus is uniquely the Son of God.
Therefore, in view of how few are the gospel narratives of the child Jesus, and how much more reserved they are than the apocryphal legends, and how great Luke's concern is to trace things out carefully and confirm it with eyewitnesses, and how Jewish the setting and language is, and how easily available Mary probably was, it seems to me that the claim that this story in Luke 2:41–52 is legendary is wrong and probably stems from an unwillingness to own up to the main point of the story, namely, that Jesus is uniquely the Son of God.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
Jesus as a Boy in the Temple
Jesus as a Boy in the Temple
Now let's read through the narrative making some comments as we go to see if we can hit on the main point and any lessons there are for our lives.
Now let's read through the narrative making some comments as we go to see if we can hit on the main point and any lessons there are for our lives.
Verse Luke 2:41: "Now his parents went up to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover."
Verse Luke 2:41: "Now his parents went up to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover."
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
Here Luke stresses again how devout and law-abiding Jesus' parents were.
Here Luke stresses again how devout and law-abiding Jesus' parents were.
We saw in Luke 2:22, 23, 24, and 39 how Mary and Joseph did all that the Mosaic law required.
We saw in Luke 2:22, 23, 24, and 39 how Mary and Joseph did all that the Mosaic law required.
22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
By stressing this, Luke tries to help Theophilus accept the fact that, although Jesus was killed by Jewish teachers, it was not really because he was outside the Jewish faith.
By stressing this, Luke tries to help Theophilus accept the fact that, although Jesus was killed by Jewish teachers, it was not really because he was outside the Jewish faith.
Jesus' parents, and now we will see Jesus himself, were devoted to the law of Moses.
Jesus' parents, and now we will see Jesus himself, were devoted to the law of Moses.
They loved it, studied it, obeyed it.
They loved it, studied it, obeyed it.
Luke will show very soon (in chapter 4) the real reason why he, a devout Jew, could be rejected and killed by his own people.
Luke will show very soon (in chapter 4) the real reason why he, a devout Jew, could be rejected and killed by his own people.
Luke 2: 42: "And when he was 12 years old they went up according to the custom."
Luke 2: 42: "And when he was 12 years old they went up according to the custom."
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
The fact that this incident happened when Jesus was 12 is probably significant.
The fact that this incident happened when Jesus was 12 is probably significant.
The 12th year was the final year of preparation for a lad before he entered full participation in the religious life of the synagogue.
The 12th year was the final year of preparation for a lad before he entered full participation in the religious life of the synagogue.
Up until that time his parents, especially his father, were teaching him the commandments of the law, but at the end of the 12th year the child goes through a ceremony by which he formally takes on the yoke of the law and becomes a bar mitzvah or "son of the commandment."
Up until that time his parents, especially his father, were teaching him the commandments of the law, but at the end of the 12th year the child goes through a ceremony by which he formally takes on the yoke of the law and becomes a bar mitzvah or "son of the commandment."
This was the year Jesus chose to stay behind in the temple.
This was the year Jesus chose to stay behind in the temple.
Perhaps, at this crucial turning point in every Jewish boy's life, Jesus wanted to demonstrate subtly for those who had eyes to see that he would be more than an ordinary Jewish bar mitzvah; his insight into the commandment was more profound than ordinary men, and his relation to God was unique.
Perhaps, at this crucial turning point in every Jewish boy's life, Jesus wanted to demonstrate subtly for those who had eyes to see that he would be more than an ordinary Jewish bar mitzvah; his insight into the commandment was more profound than ordinary men, and his relation to God was unique.
Both of these will be evident in a moment.
Both of these will be evident in a moment.
Verses Luke 2: 43, 44: "And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.
Verses Luke 2: 43, 44: "And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey."
His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey."
That's like driving from Minneapolis to Chicago and realizing you left your child and having to drive back again.
That's like driving from Minneapolis to Chicago and realizing you left your child and having to drive back again.
Only it's worse: they were probably walking.
Only it's worse: they were probably walking.
Two things stand out here, and they seem inconsistent.
Two things stand out here, and they seem inconsistent.
First, there is Jesus' apparent disregard for his parents' time and feelings.
First, there is Jesus' apparent disregard for his parents' time and feelings.
Second, there is implicit faith Mary and Joseph have in their 12 year old son.
Second, there is implicit faith Mary and Joseph have in their 12 year old son.
If he had been an irresponsible child, his parents would never have gone a whole day without knowing his whereabouts.
If he had been an irresponsible child, his parents would never have gone a whole day without knowing his whereabouts.
They trusted him and knew he had good judgment.
They trusted him and knew he had good judgment.
This suggests that Jesus' motive in staying behind was not carelessness or disrespect.
This suggests that Jesus' motive in staying behind was not carelessness or disrespect.
Evidently he intentionally let them go in order to demonstrate something more forcefully.
Evidently he intentionally let them go in order to demonstrate something more forcefully.
Verses Luke 2: 43–46: "They sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem seeking him.
Verses Luke 2: 43–46: "They sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem seeking him.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
After three days they found him in the temple."
After three days they found him in the temple."
There is no way to know whether this means three days since leaving Jerusalem (one out, one back, and one in search), or whether it means three days searching in Jerusalem.
There is no way to know whether this means three days since leaving Jerusalem (one out, one back, and one in search), or whether it means three days searching in Jerusalem.
It's hard to imagine three days searching in Jerusalem because, probably, Jesus and his parents would have gone to the same place to spend the night.
It's hard to imagine three days searching in Jerusalem because, probably, Jesus and his parents would have gone to the same place to spend the night.
How Mary and Joseph and Jesus feel about this search comes out later in verses Luke 2:48- 49.
How Mary and Joseph and Jesus feel about this search comes out later in verses Luke 2:48- 49.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
Verses Luke 2: 46, 47: "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."
Verses Luke 2: 46, 47: "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."
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
This sentence sets my mind to thinking about all sorts of things I'd love to talk about for hours.
This sentence sets my mind to thinking about all sorts of things I'd love to talk about for hours.
A. One is the relationship between teachers and students and the role of listening, querying, and answering.
A. One is the relationship between teachers and students and the role of listening, querying, and answering.
B.Another is the mystery of how the divine and human natures unite in the one person, Jesus.
B.Another is the mystery of how the divine and human natures unite in the one person, Jesus.
If he is God, how can he increase in wisdom, as verse Luke 2: 52 says he does?
If he is God, how can he increase in wisdom, as verse Luke 2: 52 says he does?
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
C. Finally, this sentence sparks in my mind a scene 18 years later when perhaps some of these very same teachers would gnash their teeth at this boy's wisdom and want to kill him.
C. Finally, this sentence sparks in my mind a scene 18 years later when perhaps some of these very same teachers would gnash their teeth at this boy's wisdom and want to kill him.
A. Read Luke 2:41-51, the only incident of Jesus’ childhood recorded in Scripture.
A. Read Luke 2:41-51, the only incident of Jesus’ childhood recorded in Scripture.
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.
B. Story: After a week of celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary and many friends and relatives began the trek home to Nazareth.
B. Story: After a week of celebrating the Passover in Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary and many friends and relatives began the trek home to Nazareth.
At the end of a long day’s travel, His parents suddenly realize Jesus is not with them.
At the end of a long day’s travel, His parents suddenly realize Jesus is not with them.
1. They return and on the third day finally find Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
1. They return and on the third day finally find Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
2. “Son, why have You treated us this way?
2. “Son, why have You treated us this way?
Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.”
Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.”
Mary is irritated that Jesus wasn’t with the rest of them headed toward his father’s house.
Mary is irritated that Jesus wasn’t with the rest of them headed toward his father’s house.
But Jesus had headed to His heavenly Father’s house, “Why is it that you were looking for Me?
But Jesus had headed to His heavenly Father’s house, “Why is it that you were looking for Me?
Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?
Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?
”(these are the first recorded words of our Lord – v .Luke 2: 48-49).
”(these are the first recorded words of our Lord – v .Luke 2: 48-49).
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
3. This story gives us tantalizing little glimpses into the fact that Jesus is not just Mary’s son, but the Son of God in heaven.
3. This story gives us tantalizing little glimpses into the fact that Jesus is not just Mary’s son, but the Son of God in heaven.
In this way, He was gently and tenderly discipling His mother.
In this way, He was gently and tenderly discipling His mother.
