Monday, February 12, 2007
Luke 2:49a "Why is it that you sought Me?"
WHY DO WE SEEK JESUS?
Ever since I became a parent I have been much better able to understand what Mary and Joseph were going through when they were returning from that trip to Jerusalem for the Passover. Now that Jesus was twelve, he accompanied them for the first time. But when Mary and Joseph started on the trip home, Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem, without their knowing. Three days of what I can imagine was frantic searching, they found Him in the Temple. He was "sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions."
As a parent who has had the experience of having a child walk away and get lost, I can very well understand the emotions that must have gone through the hearts and minds of Mary and Joseph when they saw Jesus. The worry burst through in words of frustration -- "Son, why have You done this to us? Your father and I have sought You anxiously" -- combined with the relief at finding Him safe and sound.
They didn't understand Jesus' response: "Why is it that you sought Me?"
We will pick up this account here tomorrow, but pause for a moment to ask yourself this question. Why is it that YOU, Christian friend, why is it that you seek Jesus? Is it because you think that in Him you will find one who will look the other way and not see your sins? Do you seek Him because you want Him to see what a wonderful person you are, with all of your "good works"?
No, may it be that we seek Jesus because of what He has revealed about Himself during this season of Epiphany. We seek Him because He is not only a human -- the son of Mary -- but also the very Son of God -- just as the angel had told Mary years before -- "Therefore that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God."
This is the One God sent to pay for the sins of the world! This Jesus is the One who has come to save you and me! This is the One who in His Word gives the promise of eternal life. Yes, let us never forget who He is -- and seek Him always!
