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Day 37

Luke 2 :39-52 "THE ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF PARENTS"

Day 37 – Luke 2

Text: Luke 2 :39-52

THE ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF PARENTS

It is only right that we highlight the role of God in the life of Jesus. His grace and favour upon His life made all the difference.

However, we must not discount the role that Mary and Joseph played in the life of Jesus as He was growing up. The following were the things Mary and Joseph did right in their work as parents.

1. From the very start, when they had Jesus circumcised, and then dedicated, Mary and Joseph chose for themselves the way they would follow, to bring up their Son. They had chosen the Biblical way. They had chosen to do things according to the law of God given through Moses (Luke 2:22).

2. Mary and Joseph, in accordance to Mosaic Law went to Jerusalem “every year at the Feast of the Passover” (Luke 2:41). These good and faithful parents sought to bring up Jesus by both precept and example!

AN EARLY CONSCIOUSNESS OF GOD AS FATHER

Are children capable of being spiritually sensitive to God? Our answer must be “YES”! We remember how young Samuel, son of Hannah and Elkanah was spiritually sensitive to the Lord. In fact, a similar description was recorded of Samuel, as he was growing up,

“And the child Samuel grew in stature, and in favour both with the Lord and men.” 1 Samuel 2:26

We should not be overly surprised that Jesus showed significant interest in things spiritual, so early in life. Do we see our children becoming sensitive to the Lord and to things spiritual? Let us be happy for them. Let us do our utmost to encourage such spiritual sensitivities!

“THE BOY JESUS LINGERED BEHIND IN JERUSALEM” Luke 2:43

Jesus was now 12 years of age. As usual, He went up to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover with His parents. This time round, He “lingered behind in Jerusalem”. Somehow, his parents did not realize that He was not in their company on their journey home!

In fact, Mary and Joseph did not notice His absence till they had gone “a day’s journey” (Luke 2:44). They assumed that Jesus was in the company of their relatives or friends (Luke 2:44). It was quite normal for people to travel in groups to Jerusalem. Not only would there be good fellowship along the way, traveling in a group also provided greater security. Crime also existed in those days!

A THREE DAYS’ SEARCH Luke 2:45-46

Their Son, Jesus was missing! For three days, they searched for Him! Where could He have gone? To which relative’s home did He go? Or was it to a friend’s home that Jesus made His way?

Three whole days! What frantic thoughts must have filled the hearts and minds of Mary and Joseph! They had been told that their Son was not an ordinary child. He was destined for greatness! But where was He right now?

“SON, WHY HAVE YOU DONE THIS TO US? Luke 2:48

Poor Mary must have been distraught, before she found Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem! Her first words to Jesus are almost typical words of all mothers! She remonstrated with Him.

“Son, why have You done this to us?
Look, your father and I have sought You anxiously.” Luke 2:48

Was it really the fault of Jesus, that Mary and Joseph became so anxious? They did not notice His absence when they were making their way home! How easy it is to place blame on another person, especially a son, albeit a special Son!

“DO YOU NOT KNOW THAT I MUST BE ABOUT MY FATHER’S BUSINESS?” Luke 2:49

Mary and Joseph finally found Jesus in the Temple. What was He doing in the Temple? The Passover Feast was all over for another year. The bulk of the people who flocked to Jerusalem had gone home. But there at the Temple, they found their Son.

He was “sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them,
and asking them questions.
And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” Luke 2:46-47

Jesus calmly replied to Mary, and disclaimed responsibility for their anxiety! How was it that they searched for Him for three whole days? Did they not know who He was still?

Where would “The Son of the Highest” be most likely found? Would He be found in the market place? Would He be found playing in a friend’s home? Would He be found in the home of a favourite relative, and enjoying being spoilt by them?

“Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” – Mary and Joseph did not know how to respond to Jesus, because “they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them” Luke 2:50

CHALLENGED TO PRAY FOR OUR CHILDREN

Let us be deeply challenged to pray for our children! Let us pray for more than “better health and better grades in school.” Let us pray that they will grow up to be conscious and sensitive to the Lord early in life.