Click here for an audio version of this podcast
I am using the YouVersion 49 Week Bible Challenge for these devotions. Today’s readings are Luke 2:39-53; Deuteronomy 16; Psalm 48; Psalm 84. In today’s readings, do you notice a promise to trust, a command to obey, a truth to embrace, a warning to heed, or an encouragement to rest in? What do you learn about God, about yourself, or about the world? Is there one verse or thought that stands out to you today? Talk to God about it.
Luke 2:39-53
And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.
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. 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. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 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.” 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?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 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.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
I know this story. I know how it ends: Jesus is found in the temple after Mary and Joseph’s anxious three-day search. When chided by his parents, Jesus replies, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
So many questions. How were they supposed to know? Where did they search for three days? Where did Jesus stay at night? Didn’t anyone know where he was when his parents searched for him – surely they asked people, “Have you seen our son?” Where did they look? Did Jesus just stay in the temple during those three days – a temple urchin of sorts? So many questions.
God asks questions not for his own information, but for the sake of those he asks. Perhaps Jesus is doing that now. He is wanting his parents to know what to expect of him from then on. He is not formally considered an adult at the age of twelve. The formal rite of passage to adulthood for Jewish boys occurs at the age of thirteen. It would be then that he becomes a son of the commandment (the literal meaning of the Hebrew bar mitzvah). Nevertheless Jesus is even now beginning to ask questions.
This is how they found him: “in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Jesus’ actions in the temple – listening, asking questions, and astounding teachers with his understanding – reflect both his growing maturity and his divine identity. He is not yet an adult, but he is showing a maturity beyond his years. The people are amazed. His parents are astonished – and no doubt a bit angry and relieved all at the same time: conflicted.
“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” This question, in particular, is telling. Where does God belong? In his house. And now, we are told, “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you,” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Those who believe are the place of God’s dwelling.
Do you know where Jesus is? Is he in your heart? He belongs there.
David Bahn - Reflections 
Leave a comment