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

  • John 2:13-17
  • Matthew 18:7-10
  • Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

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Illustration

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

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.

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