THE FATHER'S BUSINESS

LUKE 2:41-50

Pastor Rick Jackson

An event in the life of the Lord Jesus we don't look at very often actually has a lot to tell us considering it is the only account in narrative form we have of the years between when he was 2-4 years old and when he started His ministry at age 30. It should be obvious to even the casual reader of the Bible that Mary and Joseph, Jesus' earthly mother and stepfather were godly people. That being said, they were not perfect people, they were sinners saved by grace just like most of us here. The only other possibility is that you may be a sinner in need of the grace that is being offered to you by God Almighty at this very moment. Joseph and Mary made mistakes, they didn't go around with halos on their heads, and they didn't always know what to do. Let's look at an example of that as we look at, "The Father's Business."

I. WHAT WE DON'T KNOW CAN HURT US! [v. 41-46]

1. They didn't know He stayed behind [v. 41-43]

2. They didn't know who He was with [v. 44]

3. They didn't know where He was [v. 45-46]

This is less dangerous from the perspective of Jesus Himself since He did not have a sin nature, but others did!

II. WHAT THEY LEARNED WE SHOULD KNOW [v. 46-49]

1. Jesus & His Teachings Are Amazing [v. 46-48a]

The word "amazed" here is the Greek word ekplesso, and means "to strike with astonishment:--amaze, astonish". It is used 14 times in the N.T., only in the Gospels and the books of Acts and only to refer to the teachings or works of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Luke 9:43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

2. Inattention to our Children brings Sorrow [v. 48]

The word sorrow here is the same used of sorrow in Hell in Lk 16:24.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. [Pr. 29:15]

3. The Father's Will is better than the Parents' Will [v. 49]

III. HOW CAN WE DO THE FATHER'S BUSINESS? [v. 49-50]

1. To do the Father's Business learn His Word [v. 46-47]

2. To do the Father's Business accept His Work [John 6:28-29]

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

3. To do the Father's Business stay in contact with the Home Office [Luke 18:1, 19:46]

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint

…It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.