Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

My Father’s House. So many people in this world do not know their Heavenly Father. They do not know the safety and security of his house. They do not feel at home in church or spending time with God. This is so sad. It breaks my heart!

Jesus, at 12 years old, understood the importance of God’s house. He was wise beyond his years, because he was fully God. And he needed to be watched and looked after because he was fully man. Oh, to lose track of time in the house of God; what a journey, what a destination, what credible experience!

Jesus’ parents were, at the time, extremely frustrated and angry, no doubt. And rightly so. They cared about Jesus. They were entrusted to protect him, to raise him, and to provide for him. Three days — one day heading home, one day heading back, and one day looking for him around the city. I wonder what went through their minds? And yet it says his mother treasured these things in her heart. How can you be so frustrated and angry at someone, and still treasure in your heart the things that they did? Mothers somehow can do this. And finally we see that Jesus grew In knowledge and stature in the eyes of men and God. Knowledge is fairly easy for us to understand. We live in a society that almost values knowledge above all else. Stature is something a little different. It involves respect, dependability, honesty, integrity, skill, commitment to excellence, faithfulness, and helpfulness. This is an important last statement. It tells us that Jesus, even as a child, did not want to be a “know it all”, but he wanted to serve first and foremost. People who serve others inform them of the truth because they care. And they also jump in to help carry the loads, bear the burdens, and do the work.

Lord, thank you for sending your son, Jesus. He was truly a remarkable young man. Knowledge beyond his years. Stature that was the envy of many men. Help me to seek after the same things. Help me to have a heart that feels at home in your house.