Family Business

 The Family Business

 

Jesus was known as the son of Joseph.

LUKE 3.23

Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.”

“But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant.

LUKE 2.46-50

 

Many young men and women grow up thinking about whether or not they want to join the “family business” when they are an adult. Many follow in their father’s or mother’s footsteps professionally or join with their parents in business. That’s what Jesus did. Until he was thirty years old, he worked as a carpenter like his earthly father. But he also knew he was born for a higher purpose — to fulfil the work his Father in heaven had given him to do.

When Jesus was twelve years old, his parents were frantically searching for him. They finally found him in the Temple talking to the religious leaders about what the Scriptures teach. Mary said, “Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” Jesus answered, “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” In other words, Jesus had chosen this crucial stage in his life, on the brink of adulthood, to tell his parents in an unforgettable way that he knew who his real Father was and what it would mean for his life. Even though he was young, he recognised that he was God’s unique Son and that his mission would require a devotion to God that would take priority over his devotion to his earthly family.