Being the parents of the Messiah
by Pastor Glenn Crouch
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Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers (Luke 2:47).
Read Luke 2:41–52
Jesus’ miraculous inception and birth involved angels and shepherds. In those early days, not only was he prophesied over (see yesterday’s reading), but wise men came bearing gifts. Wow – and, of course, this was followed by a hasty escape to Egypt so that the mad king couldn’t kill Jesus. Being the parents of the Messiah was no easy mission!
Luke tells us that even though Jesus’ parents lived in Galilee, they took the young Jesus to Jerusalem every year for Passover. Surely the Messiah should be brought to the City of David and spend time in the temple. When better to do that than during the most holy time of Passover? And now that Jesus was 12 years old, they lost him! They have misplaced God’s promised Messiah. Imagine how they felt … As many commentators point out, Mary probably assumed that Jesus was travelling with Joseph and the men, and Joseph assumed he was travelling with Mary and the women and children. However, Jesus was in his Father’s house, back in Jerusalem.
I know that awful feeling of looking down and not seeing the child who was with me mere moments ago: the panicked prayers sent to my Heavenly Father, followed by the praise upon finding the missing child. Many things that God calls us to have scary times – be it a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a child, a spouse, an employee or an employer. But be assured, Jesus is where he is meant to be. Our Risen Lord Jesus is at the right hand of the Father. He is in the bread and the wine. Jesus has promised to be with us and to never leave us. While we may think we have lost sight of Jesus, he is always holding on to us!
Gracious Father, you never lose track of me, though I often fail you. Thank you for your forgiveness, mercy and faithfulness. Through your Holy Spirit, keep my eyes focused on the cross and all that your dear Son has done for me. I ask this in his mighty name. Amen.
Glenn is the pastor of St John’s Lutheran Church in Esperance and also looks after St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kalgoorlie–Boulder. Glenn has been married to Karen for 38 years, and they have two grown sons – and their first grandchild is on the way (due March 2024).
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