The Father's Business

48 When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety." (Luke 2:48)

Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus for 3 days. Jesus was 12 years old and had made this pilgrimage each year with family and friends. When the festival ended, the caravan headed back home. They had done it so many times that Jesus surely knew the routine, surely Jesus knew how afraid and hurt his parents would be. Yet he stayed behind.

Years later, when Jesus got word that his friend Lazarus was dying, Jesus delayed 4 days. Lazarus died. Surely Jesus knew how hurt and disappointed his friends - Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha - would be. Yet he did not come when they sent for him.

When Jesus was crucified, he was buried in a borrowed tomb. For 3 days his mother, his friends, his disciples grieved. They felt lost and abandoned. Surely Jesus knew this would be the most difficult and fearsome time his loved ones would face. This time, at least, they knew where he was. Didn't they?

Mary and Joseph found Jesus when they finally looked in the right place. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. And Jesus did not need a permanent burial place because he knew he wouldn't stay there. Each time Jesus waited for earthly hope to be extinguished so that heavenly hope could be ignited. Jesus continues to refuse to meet our expectations - preferring to bust them wide open and exceed our wildest imaginings. We will find Jesus when we are on one accord with his Father, our Father - when we are about the Father's business.

49 He said to them, "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49)