Pastor's Corner - 1/14

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. It was a familiar rhythm of faithfulness. But this time, something went terribly wrong. When the journey home began, Jesus was not with them. At first, they assumed He was somewhere in the group. Only later did the fear set in. Jesus was missing.

For three days they searched. Those must have been long, anxious days, filled with questions and regret. Then they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Jesus was not wandering. He was not confused. He was exactly where He needed to be.

Mary speaks from a mother’s heart. “Son, why have you treated us like this?” Jesus’ response gently redirects her. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Even at twelve years old, Jesus understood His primary calling. His life was oriented toward His Father’s purposes.

This passage speaks to how easily we assume Jesus will fit neatly into our plans. We move forward with confidence until suddenly we realize something is missing. When that happens, we may feel panic or guilt, wondering how we let it happen. Luke reminds us that Jesus is never truly lost. Often, our assumptions lead us away from where He is at work.

Mary and Joseph do the right thing. They return. They search. And they find Jesus where God’s Word is being taught and discussed. When we feel distant from Christ, the path back is not complicated. We return to Scripture. We listen. We seek Him with patience and humility.

The story ends quietly. Jesus goes home with them, obedient and growing in wisdom, stature, and favor. The One they searched for would one day seek the lost Himself. Because Christ has come, we can always find Him when we seek Him where He has promised to be.

Dear church, let us not assume that Jesus simply follows along with our habits, schedules, or expectations. Let us be a people who notice when something is missing and are willing to turn back. May we be quick to return to God’s Word, eager to listen, and patient in our seeking. And when we find Jesus again, may we be reminded that He is always about His Father’s work, gently calling us to follow Him more closely.