Article July 9, 2018 Issue

Being about our Father’s business

David Robertson

While my wife and I and our three sons were visiting a coastal waterside tourist site, we lost sight of our five-year-old son. He was missing for only about an hour, but it seemed like forever before he turned up, safe and sound. Of course, his mother and I were very anxious to find him and to see that he was, in fact, safe. However, even in our anxiety we held to the sense that his real Father was holding him safe in the palm of His hand.

It is easy for me to understand the anguish Jesus’ parents must have felt when they discovered following a visit to Jerusalem that he had not come with them as they left, and were unable to find him after searching for three days (see Luke 2:42–49). When they discovered that he had stayed behind to converse with the elders and temple scholars, Mary said, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.”

This story has many interesting elements. In a way, it is an overture to the ministry of Jesus, following his infancy and foreshadowing the start of his healing and teaching practice. It also shows his sincere yearning to be taught and to share religious ideas.

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