Read: Luke 2:41-51
Devotion:
Have you ever gotten lost — maybe in a store, at the park, or somewhere else along your journey? Jesus did once, too. Well, He didn’t realize he was lost.
When Jesus was about 12 years old, He and His parents went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Passover. When it was time to head home, Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was traveling with friends in their group. They went on for an entire day before realizing He wasn’t with them.
They searched among their family and friends, but when they couldn’t find Him, they returned to Jerusalem — the last place they had seen Him. They were scared. After three days of searching, they finally found Jesus in the temple, sitting among the teachers and leaders, asking questions and sharing wisdom.
As you can imagine, Mary and Joseph were both relieved and upset. When they expressed their concern, Jesus simply responded, “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49)
Jesus had gone on this journey with his parents, and he loved it. Once they arrived in Jerusalem, he found himself in a place where he could fully engage in learning and speaking about God. These kinds of deep spiritual conversations didn’t happen every day back in Nazareth. He was so immersed in this experience that he didn’t even notice his family had left.
But maybe He didn’t feel lost — because He wasn’t alone. Though separated from Mary and Joseph, Jesus was surrounded by people who shared His hunger to know God, who were eager to talk about faith and truth. He was safe. He was right where He needed to be, going about His Father’s business.
Sometimes, we may feel lost or out of place, especially when we’re separated from what is familiar to us. But like Jesus in the temple, we are exactly where God wants us — learning, and growing. Even when the path may feel uncertain, God knows exactly where we are, and we are not alone!
Wonder:
How Mary and Joseph might have preferred He answered their question?
What it feels like to be surrounded by God’s people going about God’s business?
Pray:
God, thank You for staying close to us so that wherever we are, we are never alone. Continue to surround us with Your people who help us learn more about you each and every day.
Act:
Adults, tell your children what it might have felt like when Mary and Joseph couldn’t find Jesus. Children, tell your adults what it feels like when you are working on something important and have to stop.