July 26 “My Father”

Luke 2:47-50 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” 49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?”  50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
 
WITH all the evidence of Jesus’ conception, birth and purpose, would it not be logical for Joseph and Mary to go directly to the temple to get their son? Is it possible they looked upon the past events now 12 years distant as dim images of God’s promises? Maybe in seeing Jesus’ humanity his earthly parents had found it difficult to remember that Jesus is God’s Son. This holy relationship would be a challenge for the Jews as our Lord ministered some 20 years later. People doubted his authority and miraculous powers because of his relationship to Mary and Joseph. See, for example, John 6:42 They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?"    
    Yes, this is one of the great debates. Is Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph and Mary, the Son of God? Some who say they belong to Jesus’ church doubt and deny it. Bible detractors deny it. Mankind’s sin nature is to doubt God’s power and presence, even when he offers one life-transforming miracle after another.
    But at his early age, Jesus clearly says who he is. “Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?”  is our Lord’s first recorded announcement that God is his Father. Jews in those days would say “our Father”. It was near blasphemy to announce the “I AM” eternal God as “my Father”.
    Jesus, though, did this constantly throughout his ministry. As we journey through Luke and as you read the other gospels, you will see Jesus’ reference to his very intimate and personal relationship with his Father in Heaven. God, the Son, has come to show God, the Father, in the power of God, the Holy Spirit, to his people and the world. The Holy Trinity calls his own into his heavenly House. His will is that you will say, “My Father” as you dwell with him in the new Heaven and earth. John 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.  
    Believe in Jesus, the Son. Live with God, the Father, forever.
 
Prayer: My Father in Heaven, thank you for sending Jesus to make it possible for his Father in Heaven to also become my Father in Heaven. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.