Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.
Have you ever been somewhere crowded and “lost” your child? If you answered yes, you are not alone! I think it is safe to say that most of us, at some point, have had that gut-wrenching feeling of losing something important. Whether it’s at Wal-Mart or Disney World, that brief moment of not knowing where your child is can feel like an eternity. Luckily, for most of us, we can pretty instantly locate our wandering child in the toy section or just an aisle away. In the verses we are studying today, this was not the case for Joseph and Mary.
Every year, a large group of Jesus’ family and friends would travel for days to attend the annual Passover Festival held in Jerusalem. At this festival, I imagine the crowd being like a sea of people. Here in the temple is where Jesus, a 12-year-old boy, felt at home (understandably so, right?). I can just imagine young Jesus sitting, listening to as many teachers as possible, filling his holy mind with knowledge, yet also giving God-felt words at the same time. Scripture specifically says, “All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers.” Luke 2:47
After the Passover festival, family and friends were on their journey home, a full day in, before Mary realized she had not seen Jesus. Very easy to do when you’re with family and friends, right? Joseph and Mary immediately turned back to find Jesus. After searching for three days (how terrifying would that be?!), they finally located Jesus.
Mary’s first question to Jesus was, “Why have you done this to us? We were worried sick!” Jesus’ response was straightforward: “But why did you need to search? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” I believe Jesus was reassuring His parents, or reminding them, of the true reason He was there with them. It was time to fulfill His mission, which was God's mission.
Sometimes, during our troubles and trials, we are apt to ask, “Jesus, where are you?” I think Jesus gives us this same answer, “I’m in my Father’s house.” Isn’t it reassuring to know that although we sometimes ask, we are assured that our sweet Jesus is in His Father’s home today, just as He always has been. We can speak to Jesus anytime; He’s never on vacation, and we can never lose Him. He is always right beside us when we call upon His name.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflection:
Prayer: God, help us all have the desire to learn about You. Help our hearts know that You are always with us, no matter what trial we are going through. Give us the peace and understanding to know that You are an omnipresent God. Amen.