Our scripture this morning is Luke 2:41-50.
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
How did we get here? Yesterday we celebrated Jesus coming to be among us and today’s reading tells of the boy Jesus in conversation with the teachers in the Temple. Can’t we keep Him as Baby Jesus a little longer?
Giving our love and adoration to the holy infant is appropriate, and we are called to do so, but we must understand what He came to do – save us all from our sins. When we remember Jesus as a baby we don’t see Him as the source of change that He brought to our world. He is still small and harmless, not yet a challenge to how we live and treat each other.
We must allow Jesus to grow and develop in our lives as we grow and develop in our faith. When we invite Him into our hearts we are changed forever, called to be a part of the kingdom of God eternally, and charged to share His love with everyone. That’s a mighty task for humans, but with His help we can change the world.
Loving Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to redeem us. We are humbled and grateful for this wonderful gift. May we go in His name to make disciples of all nations. Amen.