Luke 2:41-52 – In The Temple

Every year Mary and Joseph go to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. For a poor family this is no easy task, the journey is long and tiring, and the cost of leaving work for 10 days or more is hard to bear. But their love for the Lord makes them faithful in keeping His commands no matter the cost. They are a good example of a godly marriage. A marriage where both the husband and the wife seek after the Lord will all their heart and encourage each other in faithfulness to God.

Jesus is a good example in these verses to all young people. For 4 days He is out of sight of His parents. How does He spend those days? Not causing trouble or hanging about with troublemakers. He is in the house of God, learning more about God. Your parents should be able to trust you when you are out of their sight. They should not have to worry that you will be causing trouble or wasting time. You should take advantage of the opportunities you have to learn more about God, and you should look for friends that will encourage you in doing right, not discourage you.

The phrase ‘my Father’s house’ can also be translated ‘about my Father’s business.’ In many ways this is a better translation. Jesus is gently reminding His mother that He is no ordinary person and has no ordinary work to do. God’s work demands His primary attention, and for those 4 days His Father’s work required Him to be in the Temple. Are you ‘about your Father’s business’? Is the service of God your first priority in all you do? Or do you allow other things to crowd it out?

Questions
1. Why did Mary and Joseph go to Jerusalem every year?
2. Where was Jesus?
3. Why was He there?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that we would put God first in our lives.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.