What Jesus Did! 'My Father's House' — Luke 2:48-50

Monday, February 6, 2023

[Jesus'] parents didn't know what to think [when he stayed in Jerusalem]. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere."

"But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they didn't understand what he meant.

— Luke 2:48-50 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus had an increasing sense of purpose as he grew older. While he would apprentice in Joseph's carpenter shop, [1] Jesus felt the pull to be about his heavenly Father's business. An Old Testament passage that was associated with Jesus' cleansing of the Temple later in his ministry reads, "Passion for your house has consumed me." [2] That passion was with him even at 12 years old. No matter the age of your children or grandchildren (or nephews or nieces), don't hesitate to teach them how important it is that God should always reign in their hearts and that his holy influence must always be the basis of their choices!

[1] Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3.
[2] Psalms 69:9, John 2:17.

Today's Prayer

Father, I pray for those children over whom I have influence. Please use me to encourage them and show them how precious they are and how important it is that they live for you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

What in the world did Jesus mean by this?
Illustration of Luke 2:49
Inspirational illustration of Luke 2:49 -- "Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
Hidden Treasures
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of the Father, If you have had a loving, godly mother, then you have been profoundly blessed. No matter if you are rich or poor, famous or..."
Just an Ordinary Kid?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of God, When I began My ministry, the folks in My home town of Nazareth were shocked. They didn't expect anything of Me. In their minds, I..."
From Son to Savior
Article by Phil Ware
How did Mary handle the transition of Jesus from her little boy to her Lord? Phil Ware continues his series on Mary the mother of Jesus called Window to Wonder talking about the transition of Jesus from Mary's little boy to her Lord.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 2:48-50 NLT — "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, February 6, 2023

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Hostility Takes a Road Trip' (Acts 17:13-15)
"But when some Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and stirred up trouble. The believers..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 1:19-20
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'By His Power' (Je. 51:15-16)
"The Lord made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom. With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens. When he speaks in..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'A New Spirit in You' (Ek. 11:19-20)
"[God said,] "I'll give you [my people in Babylonian captivity] a new heart. I'll put a new Spirit in you. I'll cut out your stone heart and replace it with a..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!