Nurture!

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, we find a rare glimpse into the childhood of Jesus. It’s the only story we have between His birth and the beginning of His public ministry—and it tells us something profound about God, about parenting, and about what it means to seek first the Father’s business.

Jesus is twelve years old in this story. His family has traveled to Jerusalem, as they did every year, to celebrate the Passover. For many Jewish families, this trip was more than tradition—it was a spiritual milestone, especially for a boy approaching the age of religious responsibility. Later in Jewish life, this moment would evolve into the bar mitzvah, the rite of passage where a boy becomes a man under the law. While this celebration wasn’t formalized in Jesus’ time, the expectation behind it—taking personal ownership of one’s faith and identity under God’s law—was very much present.

This background helps us understand why the young Jesus stayed behind at the temple when His parents began their return journey home. But to understand what this moment meant, we also have to step into the sandals of Mary and Joseph.

When Parents Lose Their Child

Most parents know that deep panic—the gut-wrenching fear when a child is suddenly out of sight. Where is my child? That awful question dominated Mary and Joseph’s thoughts as they made the journey back to Jerusalem, realizing Jesus wasn’t with either group of travelers.

They had journeyed a full day before discovering He was missing. Traveling back to Jerusalem would have meant retracing their steps through rugged terrain and up dangerous elevation. It would take them three days before they found Him again—in the temple, calmly sitting among the teachers, listening and asking questions.

“Why Were You Searching for Me?”

Mary, understandably shaken, questions Him: “Son, why have you treated us like this? We’ve been anxiously searching for you.”

Jesus’ response? “Didn’t you know I had to be about my Father’s business?”

It’s a stunning moment. He doesn’t say it with defiance, but with clarity and purpose. At twelve years old, Jesus already understood His calling. He was drawn to His Father’s presence, His Father’s Word, and His Father’s mission.

This wasn’t about rebellion. This was about priority.

A Reminder for Us: Don’t Leave Without Jesus

One simple but powerful phrase from this passage rings loud today: Don’t go anywhere without Jesus.

Mary and Joseph began their journey home assuming Jesus was with them. But He wasn’t. And it took time, exhaustion, and emotional turmoil to return and find Him again.

How often do we begin our day, our week, or our big life decisions assuming Jesus is with us—without having actually brought Him along?

Do we move forward in our careers, our relationships, our parenting, and our priorities assuming His blessing, while never stopping to stay behind with Him, listen to Him, and seek His wisdom?

We live in a world that teaches us to be independent, efficient, and productive. But Jesus teaches us that being in the Father’s presence comes first—even before family expectations, even before the journey ahead.

Learning from Jesus, Even at 12

What was Jesus doing in the temple? He was learning. Asking questions. Engaging deeply with Scripture. He wasn’t showing off—He was showing hunger for truth.

This story sparks theological debates about what Jesus knew and when. But here’s what we do know: Jesus, even as a child, was devoted to learning, growing, and being shaped by God’s Word. He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52).

That’s a model for every young person—and a challenge for every adult. Spiritual maturity isn’t automatic. It’s nurtured in quiet conversations with God, in time spent listening, and in moments where we prioritize the eternal over the urgent.

A Word for Parents

Mary and Joseph did something right. They made the journey to Jerusalem every year. They practiced spiritual discipline. Their home was shaped by obedience and reverence for God.

And still—they lost track of Jesus.

Parents, don’t lose heart. Even the best parents have moments when things go off course. The important thing is that they searched for Him—and when they found Him, they listened and learned.

Mary treasured all these things in her heart. She didn’t have all the answers. But she paid attention. She pondered. She grew.

That’s the call of every parent. Not to be perfect, but to be present. To show your kids what it looks like to search for Jesus when He feels far away. To admit your fears, your fatigue, and your failures—and still return to the temple.

Training Our Children to Love God’s Business

It’s tempting to think kids don’t need to get serious about God until they’re older. But Jesus shows us otherwise.

At twelve, He was already “about His Father’s business.” And that means our kids can be too.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, youth leader, or friend, your role matters. Your attitude toward church, Scripture, and service shapes the way children see their faith. If you treat it as a burden, so will they. If you see it as joy, so might they.

Let them see you pray. Let them see you serve. Let them know that God’s business is worth their time, their questions, and their heart.

In Praise of Mothers

Since this sermon was preached on Mother’s Day, it’s only fitting to end with a word of honor to mothers.

Motherhood is sacred. It’s the first taste many children get of unconditional love. A mother’s love is often the clearest earthly mirror of God’s love—selfless, sacrificial, and faithful even when it hurts.

And though it’s true that a mother’s work is never done, it’s also true that her influence is never forgotten.

To the moms who have wiped tears, whispered prayers, taught Scripture, and carried burdens in silence—thank you. Your love may be the very thing that opens a child’s heart to the love of God.

“I Must Be About My Father’s Business”

Jesus said, “I must.” Not “I might.” Not “I’ll try.” But “I must be about my Father’s business.”

That’s the call on all of us—not just children, not just clergy, not just super-Christians. All of us.

Whether you’re twelve or seventy-two, if you love Jesus, there’s kingdom work to do. Start by sitting at His feet. Then get up and walk with Him.

And whatever you do, don’t leave without Jesus.