Thanks to Luke, we have one story of Jesus as a 12-year-old boy. Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem every year for the Passover, which was a 3-day journey on foot. They brought 12-year-old Jesus along. But one day into their journey back home, they realized Jesus was not with them! They lost the Son of God! They anxiously searched the playgrounds and the fruit markets. Finally, they found him at the temple. He was listening to the teachers and asking them questions, and people were amazed at his understanding. Even 12-year-old boys can have a great desire to know God.

Mary rebuked Jesus for making them worry so much. Boy Jesus replied, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" The Greek literally translates to "my Father's things." So, some translate this as "about my Father's business." It could refer to the place-the temple-or to the activity-the teaching of God's word. Indeed, Jesus came to fulfill, par excellence, the meaning of the temple and the teaching of God's word. Boy Jesus went home, was obedient, and grew in wisdom, in stature, and in favor with God and man.


Application: Lord, may I have such a heart to seek you and the truth. May I also encourage this in young people. May we grow in wisdom and in your favor.
One Word: Grow like Jesus in wisdom and God's favor