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

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Lovingly Paid'
"Dear Beloved, Today's verses are full of deeply significant words, but they are not hard to understand. Read them and let them fall into your..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 120:5
"As a Christian you have to live in the midst of an ungodly world, and it is of little use for you to cry "Woe is me." Jesus did not pray that you..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Marshall Lucas:
"God doesn't always smooth the path, but sometimes he puts springs in the wagon."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Transfigured to Be Like the Messiah'
"Whenever, though, [the Israelites] turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are — face to face! They suddenly recognize that..."

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!