Luke 2:41-52 Jesus in the Midst
1. The Shock 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.
He was lost - unexpectedly, inexplicably, undoubtedly.
2. The Shame 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
The Presumption - 44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company
The Peril - went a day’s journey; (Without Him)
The Pain - and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.
3. The Search
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. (a) They sought Him promptly.
(b) earnestly. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, - the searching for Christ was both thorough and continuous.
"sought" in v 44 and "seeking" in v 46 indicate continuous action.
(c) sorrowfully. "Thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing" (48).
(d) wisely. "They found him in the temple" (v. 46).
4. The Success
49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
1. The Father’s business is a Great business
Neh 6:3 I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
(a) The Father’s business is as broad as the universe. "all power is given unto me"
The whole universe is his by creative right and by redemptive right (b) As deep as the need of the human heart. - It is a world redemption business. (c) As long as the ages. It is an eternal business. (d) As high as the heavens.
2. The Father’s business is a Growing business (a) It begins like a seed. (b) It growths like a plant. (c) It expands to a kingdom 3. The Father’s business is a Guaranteed business (a) God's purpose cannot be thwarted. "I will build my church". said Jesus. (b) God's program cannot be diverted. - "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (c) God's power cannot be withstood. Therefore, success is certain.
