Scripture:
Luke 2:41-52 (English Standard Version)
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
41Now(A) his parents went(B) to Jerusalem every year at(C) the Feast of the Passover. 42And when he was twelve years old,(D) they went up according to custom. 43And when the feast(E) was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.(F) His parents did not know it, 44but 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, 45and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple,(G) sitting among(H) the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48And when his parents[a] saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold,(I) your father and I have been searching for you in great distress." 49And he said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that(J) I must be in(K) my Father’s house?"[b] 50And(L) they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And(M) his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52And Jesus(N) increased in wisdom and in stature[c] and in favor with God and man.
Footnotes:
Luke 2:48 Greek they
Luke 2:49 Or about my Father’s business
Luke 2:52 Or years
Cross references:
Luke 2:41 : Luke 2:27
Luke 2:41 : 1 Sam 1:3
Luke 2:41 : Exodus 23:15; Deut 16:1; John 2:13
Luke 2:42 : John 11:55
Luke 2:43 : Exodus 12:15; Lev 23:8; Deut 16:3
Luke 2:43 : Luke 2:41
Luke 2:46 : Matt 26:55
Luke 2:46 : Luke 5:17
Luke 2:48 : Luke 2:27; Luke 2:49
Luke 2:49 : Luke 13:33
Luke 2:49 : John 2:16; 14:2
Luke 2:50 : Luke 18:34; Mark 9:32
Luke 2:51 : Luke 2:19
Luke 2:52 : 1 Sam 2:26
Reflection:
Do you recognize your Father in heaven? Jesus went up to the temple for his first Passover at the dawn of his manhood (usually the age of twelve for Jewish males). It was at this key turning point in his earthly life that Jesus took the name "father" from Joseph and addressed it to God his Father in heaven. Just as the prophet Samuel heard the call of the Lord at a very young age, Jesus in his youth recognized that he has been given a call by his heavenly Father. His answer to his mother's anxious inquiry reveals his trusting faith and confident determination to pursue his heavenly Father's will. Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house? While Jesus recognized his unique call, he, nonetheless, submitted himself with love and obedience to Joseph and Mary and waited for the time when his call would be fulfilled. Our Heavenly Father calls each of us to a unique task and mission in this life. We may not discover or understand it fully, but if we cooperate with God he will use us for his purpose and plan. With the call God gives grace -- grace to say "yes" to his will and grace to persevere through obstacles and trials. Do you recognize God's call on your life and do you trust in his grace?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord, in love you have called me to live for your praise and glory. May I always find joy in your presence and trust in your grace and in your wisdom and plan for my life.
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