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

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.
'A Great Mission, A Junior Partner'
"Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers. When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission to Jerusalem,...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'A Clear Command'
"Dear Lover of God, During My earthly ministry, I was asked: "which commandment is the greatest?" (Matthew 22:36). Quoting Old Testament Scriptures,....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God’s Weapons Win Over Worldy Strongholds'
"We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Rachel Joy Scott:
"I have this theory that if one person shows compassion to another then that person will start a chain reaction of the same."

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!