Being about His Father’s Business

We don’t know very much about the childhood of Jesus. The Bible tells us of his birth and dedication in the temple, but then we don’t hear about the boy, Jesus, until he is 12 years old. But what we discover are some amazing words from Him that tell us a lot about His heart.

The story unfolds in the latter half of Luke 2. Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the yearly Feast of Passover. After the celebration, His parents left Jerusalem to return home to Nazareth, but there was a major problem. Jesus was not with them. Mary and Joseph had traveled an entire day in their caravan with relatives and acquaintances, when they realized that Jesus was missing.

Could you imagine what Mary and Joseph must have felt? They had traveled a whole day. If you’ve ever lost your child for a few moments, you know about that indescribable feeling in your stomach. Mary and Joseph may have feared the worst. Would they ever see their child again?

The Bible says it took three days to find Jesus. My guess is Mary and Joseph didn’t eat or sleep during those long three days. When they found Jesus, He was in the Temple sitting in the midst of teachers, engaging in dialogue with them. And these educated scribes were amazed at the words of this young boy.

Mary approached Jesus and said to Him, Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously. (Luke 2:48 NKJV)

Then Jesus responded with the words that reveal His heart. Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business? (Luke 2:49 NKJV)

The boy, Jesus, at an early age realized His mission. It was to do the Father’s will—to be at His heavenly Father’s business. All throughout His life, Jesus did not detour from His dedication to do the Father’s will. This dedication took Him all the way to a lonely cross.

When Jesus was contemplating His coming trials and His death on the cross, Jesus prayed to His Father and said, Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. (Luke 22:42 NKJV)

As you celebrate Christmas and look forward to a New Year, what decisions can you make to ensure you are about your Father’s business? In what area of your life do you need to make some adjustments so you can say, “Not my will, but Yours, be done?”

This Christmas, let’s take this lesson from the Christ Child and seek to do God’s will. I challenge you to pray a simple prayer as the season begins: "Lord, this Christmas season I fully surrender my life to You. Jesus, I want to be at my Father’s business, doing exactly what You want me to do. Here I am, use me. I’m yours. Amen." 

God’s blessings to you this Christmas!

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How are you inspired to be about your Father’s business? What is God showing you? We’d love to hear from you. Post your comments below.