About My Father's Business

REFLECTION: Proverbs 3:3-4

SERMON: Luke 2:41-52

BENEDICTION: 2 Corinthians 13:14

INTRO

I so enjoyed Rediscovering Christmas with you all. We were joined with evangelical gospel-revealing/preaching churches all across the country preaching that same series and very similar texts.

This morning, I’d like to continue to look at the timeline of young Jesus.

If we finish up where we started with our series , Luke 2 shows us the presentation of Jesus at the Temple at 8 days old as Simeon & Anna holds him in his arms and says, “…my eyes have seen your salvation…”

We know that the Magi came to see him as a young boy.

TRANSITION: Then we find ourselves at this last mention of Jesus as a child in Luke.

MAIN IDEA: The main thrust of our application with this text will be verse 49, THESE INCREDIBLE 7 WORDS UTTERED BY JESUS AT 12! At 12?!

This morning, we’ll be challenged to never underestimate a child’s immediate kingdom value - not just their future potential. But there is a lesson here for all of us - as find our place in the Father’s business.

Let’s work through it together shall we?

1. Notice the COMMITTED FAMILY (vv 41-42)

Luke 2:41–42 ESV

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 according to custom.

This one day Feast of the Passover was followed by the 7-day Feast of Unleavened Bread - sometimes the whole event was called the Passover.

It wasn’t culturally necessary for women or children under 13 to attend Passover.

- A child of 12 was “permitted” as a son of the law to take part in the sacred festival.

We can argue that Joseph and Mary were committed because they had Jesus - but the facts show us that they were chosen to be used by God before Jesus came as a baby.

Mary was virtuous and Joseph was a man of mercy and integrity.

IT OCCURRED TO ME:

- Hannah going to the temple and dedicating her miracle child Samuel to the Lord (1 Samuel 1)

- CONTRAST THAT WITH…Jesse offering God his best…but not his all (1 Samuel)

LESSON: Are our family traditions communicating the priority of a relationship with God and the fellowship of the Church? (what are the priorities of your family? what are the non-negotiables?)

2. NOTICE THE CROWD OF FOLLOWERS (vv 43-45)

Luke 2:43–45 ESV

43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 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, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.

If I ask for a show of hands, very few of us would admit to leaving our children behind somewhere. The scramble of getting on the road, an interruption to the routine, a forgotten headcount - but Mary and Joseph actually lived through this.

But this is not meant to be a bad reflection on their parenting.

It’s worth noting here that a 12-year-old Jewish boy in this day was not like a 12-year-old American/Western child. He would've been the equivalent of a mature/responsible 15-17 Western child. He would have already been trained (almost completely) in the law for 8 years.

Josephus estimated there were 3 million people journeying to Jerusalem for this feast.

It was customary and reasonable for Mary & Joseph to expect that Jesus was in the crowd journeying back with them.

IT OCCURRED TO ME:

Samson - when he thought the Lord was with him as He had always been…but found that he wasn’t. Jdg 16:20. And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had left him.

CONTRAST WITH…Moses - telling the Lord, I won’t go without your presence…(Exodus 33:14-16).

If Your presence goes, I don't wanna stay

If Your presence stays, I don't wanna go

I need You

LESSON: Are we making assumptions about Jesus based on the crowd, or are we in His presence, with our eyes fixed on Jesus? (

The writer of Hebrews noted even in the midst of being surround by a great cloud/crowd - both above and here on earth - we have to fight to stay focused.

3. NOTICE THE CONCENTRATED FOCUS (vv 43-45)

Luke 2:43–45 ESV

43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 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, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.

Mary and Joseph were only a day’s journey away…it’s unlikely that they searched for 3 days and then it finally dawns on them to search the temple. It’s more likely they journeyed the 1 day toward home, recognized he was missing, journey the 1 day back, then searched where they were as they began to retrace their steps back to the Temple.

They find him in the temple…astonishing those around him. Probably in one of the porches of the Court of the Women, where the schools of the Rabbis were held, and the law regularly expounded.

HELPFUL NARRATIVE:The sight of a 12-year-old boy boldly proclaiming the Scriptures amazes the crowds and surprises His mother. But Mary’s relief fades to exasperation as she asks Jesus why He has put them through such a harrowing ordeal (Luke 2:48).

Luke 2:48 ESV

48 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.”

His reply discloses a truth that will affect Mary for the rest of her life.

Luke 2:49 ESV

49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Luke 2:49 KJV 1900

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?

VERSE 49 - “I must be in my Father’s House” or “I must be about my Father’s business”while it may feel like both carry the same weight and convey the same mission - “…my Father’s House” is a translator’s decision that unnecessarily narrows the text based on the direction of the context.

It’s not a horrible decision, but there is no “object” to “Father’s”. Better: “in the things or affairs of my Father, in that what belongs to His honor and glory.”

What is the chief end of man? (Westminster Shorter Catechism) To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.)

Contrast this with some of today’s (seemingly noble) parenting goals:

“Developing Special Skills”,

“Psychologically well-adjusted”,

“Saved Children”, “Family Worship”,

“Well-Behaved Children”,

“Good Education”,

Some just want to control their children…no real goals at all.

As tempting as some of these sound, Tedd Tripp writes in Shepherding a Child’s Heart that, “Like Old Testament Israel, you too, are subject to the powerful influence of your culture. Like Israel, you must reject things in the culture that are abhorrent to Jehovah your God.”

Jesus responds by declaring the primacy of His relationship with God: “Did you not know that it was necessary for me to be in the house of my Father?” (Luke 2:49). The Father-Son relationship trumps every other in His life. His surprise—“Did you not know?”—reveals that He thinks these circumstances should be apparent to Mary. She knows the time is coming when she will have to let Him go, but she did not expect it to come so soon. His response shocks Mary into painful awareness: Jesus shows no sense of wrongdoing for staying behind on His own. In fact, He is perplexed by her worry, assuming she would have known exactly what He was doing and where. Their relationship reaches a turning point at this moment. The bond between devoted mother and divine Son is fundamentally and forever changed.

IT OCCURRED TO ME - this sense of reckless abandon David - offering a sacrifice on one of his subject’s threshing floors. He could’ve accepted the man’s generosity but he says he won’t offer, “burnt offerings that cost (him) nothing.” -1 Ch 21:24.

Peter and John - knowing full well the Council of leaders would persecute them if they continued to preach in Jesus’ name  But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” -Ac 4:19–20.

LESSONS: Let’s come back to this in a moment…

4. A COMPREHENSION FORMING or COHESIVE FAMILY (vv 51-52)

Even though Mary and Joseph have a moment of not understanding and frustration as parents, they depart united as a family.

Interesting that Luke notes he was submissive to them…this honors them, and His Father. He wasn’t conflicted in his submission to them when He was in the Temple.

IT OCCURRED TO ME:

(v51) Mary “treasured up” or “kept all” or “held these things dearly, deep within herself”

Reminds me of v19 right after the Christmas account that we’ve all recently gone through…I wonder what her quiet time with the Lord was like?There are some things too wonderful to post!

LET’S CLOSE WITH THE LESSONS FROM VERSE 49 -

ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS

“I MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS - in the things or affairs of my Father, in that what belongs to His honor and glory.

I wonder, as we’re sandwiched here between the close of this historic 2020 and the approaching 2021…would you be willing to seriously consider a few questions in light of our text this morning.

Before we make it too personal, what about Grace Covenant?

- ABOUT CHILDREN & STUDENTS

Are young people potential disciple-making disciples OR did Jesus hold them up as capable, functioning spiritual beings in need of our FULL attention and best efforts?

see Matthew 11:25; 18:3; 19:13-14; 21:15; Luke 1:16;

- ABOUT THE FATHER’S BUSINESS

What is the Father’s business? (or affairs that belong to His honor and glory)

If we follow Jesus at 12, we see it AT LEAST involves Gathering together at the place of worship.

He was at the Temple.

The pre-pandemic metrics showed that most of our most dedicated in this room will only be present in worship about 70% of the time. Current projections show that 25-30% of our somewhat regular attenders will not be returning to church.

Is it easy for you miss gathering together with God’s people? It shouldn’t be. Regardless of preferences, we are commanded to gather and place ourselves under the authority of Scripture.

He was engaged in conversation centered on Scripture

Most conversations that happen with seconds of the conclusion of worship gathering are absolutely disconnected from the content of the previous hour and change.

[One of my expositor heroes, Alistair Begg refers to this a Pagan/Demonic Distraction.] Do you find it easier to talk about ANYTHING ELSE…?

He was focused on the affairs of the Father

In this age of attention grabs and myriad distractions, it is difficult to “lose ourselves” in worship…but isn’t that what we stand the most in need of? Is the hour and change that we gather together enough to fill your tank - the answer should be “no”. But since it is special and distinct - isn’t worth putting on the Do Not Disturb so you can be present?

What about you? What is the Father’s business specifically for you?

It will be in line with the Gospel (making much of Jesus and less of you)

It will be distinct from the newly redefined American dream

Governed by an ethos of Entitlement

Moral code based on cultural standards

It’s good to be spiritual but not religious

Living the good life = life of leisure with all the comfort, convenience and technology they want and having friends around them

The pursuit of plentiful experiences with unrestrained choices

Being independent with a sense of control over everything that we touch.

It will be mark you in such a way that your friends and family who are not Christians and those who are weak in the faith, will marvel at the countercultural way in which you seem to navigate through life

The language of this verse is broader than just being in the “house”…so is the implication of call this morning.

Jesus is calling you to follow Him to a life of distinction that doesn’t flow with the crowd.

Jesus is calling you to a life of selflessness that prefers others.

Jesus is calling you to a life of worship and devotion.

It is a life will invite the question, “where were you?” “why weren’t you with everyone else?” “what’s up with you…you need to assert yourself more!”

I’M NOT ASKING YOU THIS MORNING TO MIND “YOUR” BUSINESS…LET’S LOOK AT THE CALL:

I - It’s Personal

MUST - It’s Imperative

BE - It’s who we are, not just things we do

ABOUT - This what I associate with, it’s intrinsic to my identity

MY FATHER’S - He is my God…I have a living, powerful and personal relationship with the Father through His son Jesus.

BUSINESS - His work. His way. He gets all the credit and glory!

CALL TO RESPONSE

Before we stand and close in singing this morning, I’ve asked Julia to simply play through a reflection piece. Use this time wisely:

Some of us need to

catch our breath. We’ve been going nonstop on this incessant pace of 2020; it’s kept us from pausing and taking the time to really thank God for His provision and fruit through this difficult year. I would use this moment to close out 2020 in a prayer of thanksgiving as you were about the Father’s business.…

regroup/recallibrate. We have either forgotten or worse, said “no” to the great commandment or the great commission. This year has been more about us than Him. Consider using this time as an individual or a family asking the Lord to forgive you and restore the joy of your salvation and help put you back on track…on His pathway!

completely be made new. You’ve never actually repented of your sins and put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. You think you’re a self-employed, self-made individual, but you’re actually a slave who is bound to self-destruct. The Bible says no-one comes to the Father unless he or she is drawn by the Father. If you sense that he’s calling you…don’t wait. Don’t waste another minute trying to mind YOUR business.

Let’s PRAY