The Family Business

Today’s Passage – Luke 2 – 3

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” – (Luke 2:49)

My father has been in the candy business for over 60 years. His company packages and distributes candy and nut products all over New Jersey and out into Philadelphia and now he even delivers into New York. Growing up, our lives revolved around the family business. If it was a busy time of the year, we would all pitch in to help. It didn’t matter if it was early in the morning or late at night; it didn’t matter if it was the weekend. Our family’s life revolved around that business.

In context of our text this morning, Jesus is a young man, twelve years of age. He and His family had traveled from Nazareth to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. When it was time to go home, Joseph and Mary, along with their children and extended family all made their way back to Jerusalem; but Jesus was left behind in Jerusalem. Now before you get mad at Mary, I want you to remember that Jesus was not the type of boy that she would have to worry about: He never did anything bad. I have heard parents brag on their children before, but let me tell you, when Mary said that her boy, Jesus, was the perfect little lad, she wasn’t lying. You also have to remember that their were probably dozens of their family members and friends travelling together “in the company”. Mary just thought that Jesus was with some of the other family members. But He wasn’t. He deliberately stayed behind in Jerusalem.

When the family realized that He was not with them, they went back looking for Him. They found Him in the Temple, “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions”. I am sure that they were a little upset about the fact that Jesus did this. They had a hard time finding Him. When they questioned Him about it, He said, “didn’t you know that I have to be about my Father’s business” [my paraphrase] Now Jesus earthly step-father, Joseph, was a carpenter; and I am sure that all of the little Joseph’s were training to be  carpenters too. Jesus, no doubt, worked in the carpenter shop alongside of Joseph. Just think, the hands that created the universe were in a small shop in Nazareth making furniture. Anyway, Jesus was not referring to carpentry when he spoke of His Father’s business. He was not referring to Joseph at all. He was talking about His read Dad, God the Father; and His Father’s business was at the Temple.

I grew up in my father’s candy business; but now I am giving my life to the Heavenly Father’s business. What is the Father’s business? It is reaching people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said that He came to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). The Father’s business is also preaching and teaching the glorious truths of the Word of God. It is ministering to the people of God. These are all of the things that make up the Father’s business. I too must be about my Father’s business. How about you?