Daily Devotional for Sunday, December 21

Jesus’s Second Visit to the Temple

“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. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” Luke 2:48, 49.

One time my sister and I were shopping with my mother. We thought it would be funny to hide inside the round clothes racks. My mother had corrected us more times than any parent would, so she walked off. When we emerged from our hiding place, what we originally thought was hilarious became very serious. We could not find her anywhere. Since this was back when department stores had the customer service-gift wrapping-layaway-portrait studio section in the back, we trotted our way back there and had them call her over the loudspeaker, “Kim Johnston, please come to customer service to retrieve your lost children.” I do not need to tell you that we never did that again.

At just twelve years old, Jesus’s words revealed a deep awareness of His divine mission. Mary and Joseph, filled with concern after searching for Him, were astonished to find Him in the Temple engaging with the teachers. Their relief quickly turned into confusion at His response. How could He not understand their worry? Yet, Jesus gently reminded them of His higher calling: to be about His Father’s business. This moment in the Temple marked a significant point in Jesus’ life, showing His growing understanding of His purpose. Even at a young age, His heart was fully devoted to God’s work. He was not a lost little boy. He was exactly where He belonged.

Like Mary and Joseph, we often look for Jesus in the wrong places, expecting Him to fit into our plans and routines. But Jesus calls us to seek Him where He is: doing the work of the Father.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Are you about your Father’s business, or are you expecting Him to be about yours?

Ashley Ridings