In His Father's House

Jesus grew full of wisdom and God's grace. After getting separated on a trip to Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph found him in the temple asking questions of the teachers of the law. All those who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers to their questions. When asked why we was where he was doing what he was doing, Jesus responds that it was necessary for him to be in his Father's house! And Luke tells us that he continued in obedience to grow in wisdom and stature and favour with God and men.

Even as a boy, Jesus demonstrates for us the single-minded devotion that we should have towards matters of the Kingdom. It is necessary for all of us to be in our Father's house, in our Father's world, about our Father's business. How many other things are we prioritizing above this? And how much is that stunting our growth? How destructive is that? Because obedience leads to flourishing! We can be about our Father's business because Jesus was. Jesus' obedience didn't end in childhood; he was obedient all the way even to death on a cross. And his obedience leads to our flourishing! ⁠