
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49 NKJV
Jesus is 12 when he remained in Jerusalem after being separated from His parents. Mary and Joseph returned to find Him in the temple talking with the priest. After Mary revealed her anxious worry for his being lost. Jesus replied, “Did you not know, I must be about My father’s business?”
Many versions translate the verse to be “in my Father’s house”. The literal wording is “in the things that are my Father’s”. The Greek allows translating “house” or “business”. John records a similar thought, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17.
As a follower of Jesus, you have been invited into the family business. How do you perceive the invitation? What may these look like in your world?
The Father’s Business includes:
- Jesus came to seek and save the lost. We don’t save anyone. But we are commanded to go and tell how Jesus has changed our lives. Seeking means we look for opportunities to share with others how they can know Jesus as Savior and Lord.
- Jesus said He would make us fishers of men. Fisherman is an occupation that is only realized by the event of fishing. How do you perceive what fishing for men looks like for you?
- Jesus healed the sick and went about doing good for others. Let your faith move into action and engage in praying for others’ illnesses to get healed. It was one of the works of Jesus
- Jesus did a whole lot of teaching both publicly and privately. Matthew 28:20 tells us, “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you”. Like helping a child to learn to read and write, new believers need instruction in the ways of God. Who are you teaching?
- Jesus exhibited oneness with His Father and prayed for the same unity among His followers. To work effectively with other followers there will need to be lots of love, forgiveness, respect and honor taking place.
- What activities would you add to “the Father’s business”?
Of course, the other side of defining the Father’s business is actually engaging in that activity. I have found some of the most rewarding memories i “doing the work” with others. It is filled with laughter, joy, endurance, prayer, and the intertwining of loving bonds of friendship. We work together.
Let’s get to work
Blessings Love y’all