Where's Jesus?
Today’s Verse:
And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. ~Luke 2:45-46
Have you ever seen those poster signs entitled “Missing Child”? They typically have a picture and description of the child and the last time that they were seen. You can only imagine the fear and anxiety in the hearts of the parents when they realize that they have a child who is missing. Our devotion centers on a time when Mary and Joseph discovered that Jesus was missing.
There is the assembly.
Mary, Joseph, and Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The Passover was an event that brought many, many Jews back to Jerusalem for the offering of a lamb for the nation. It was a repeated ceremony that reminded the Jews of God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. It pointed to the future day when the perfect Lamb of God would lay down His life for every sinner. This event was an annual occurrence and formality. Let us remember that when we assemble to worship the Lord or to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we should never approach these events in formality. Let us be true and heartfelt when we approach the presence of God.
There is the anxiety.
We are told that after fulfilling their duties in Jerusalem, they set out to return home. However, Mary and Joseph knew not that the Child Jesus tarried behind. They went on their journey with their large caravan and assumed that Jesus was with them. It was a full day’s journey before they realized that Jesus was not in their midst. They tried to find Him among their kinfolk and acquaintances, but He was not among them. Luke tells us that they “found him not.” Jesus was missing! Mary and Joseph were frantic and filled with anxiety. “Where’s Jesus?” “Does anyone know where Jesus is?” “Has anyone seen Jesus?”
There is the application.
Is Jesus missing in your life? Is Jesus missing in your personal devotions? Is Jesus missing in your worship? Is Jesus missing in your service? Do you even know that Jesus is missing? Many Christians go on in life enjoying the company of other people more than the company of Jesus. Many Christians go on with their daily activities and are not aware that Jesus is not in their midst. They suppose Him to be there. We just expect the Lord to show up at our services. The truth be known, we become too accustomed to praying, serving, worshipping, and working without the presence of the Lord. We wait until much time has gone by before we realize that the Lord’s presence is not among us.
There is the answer.
Mary and Joseph found Jesus back in the temple three days later. He is sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. Mary asked Him, “Why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” In essence, they were blaming Jesus for staying behind and not telling them. Jesus corrected this picture by asking them, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” Jesus was missing, and they were looking for Him in the wrong place and with the wrong idea. No wonder God’s power is missing from so many of us. Jesus will only be found where He is welcome and where He is allowed to work.
Is Jesus is missing? If so, you will find Him where you last left Him.
Have a Christ-centric God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 11-13