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 2:49 KJV
It is a natural reaction for parents to be disturbed over a missing child. And it is a natural phenomenon that children, when found unhurt, are amazed that everyone is so concerned. Since they sense no danger, they naturally assume that their parents would expect them to be doing what they were doing.
In this story, Joseph and Mary have been searching for their son for three days, and we get a brief sense of their emotional stress. Perhaps Joseph is so upset that he refuses to speak lest he lose his temper. Mary, on the other hand, knows the boy’s behavior cannot be ignored. So, she lovingly, but firmly speaks the words of mothers everywhere: “How could you do this to your father and me?”
Yet, when we consider the reply Jesus gave, we get a different perspective than one might expect from a twelve year old. He was amazed that Joseph and Mary would have thought him to have been anywhere else but in God’s house doing God’s business. This was his purpose. This was his “must do” mission.
We do not know when Jesus became aware of his “Son of God” identity, but he certainly demonstrated that consciousness in his reply to his mother. And he demonstrated his knowledge that he had a mission and purpose. Yet, despite his understanding, he submitted himself to Joseph’s and Mary’s authority and went home to Nazareth. I wonder what sort of stress and frustration he might have suffered over the years while he waited for Joseph and Mary to fully understand who he was and what he must do. Likewise, I wonder how he was performing his purpose and mission during those silent years in Nazareth. We may properly conclude that he certainly was pursuing his “must do” in the Father’s business.
Dear Father, thank you for a purpose and mission in your business. Empower us with a must do attitude to achieve your purpose. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your must do mission,