Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

Luke 2 gives more detail into Jesus’ early life. The thing that stands out in this morning’s reading is Christ’s passion – even as young as 12 years old, for His “Father’s business”. He was willing to forego a family event, a national celebration, and no doubt fellowship with some of His peers, for the sake of His Father’s business. And yet even after His parents confronted, Him, and He responded as He did in the verse above, they “understood not”.

Two challenges from today’s reading are, first, to possess a passion for the Father’s business. In the secular world, I’ve heard stories of rappers, actors, and athletes forgetting to eat, depriving themselves of sleep, and going to great lengths to see their passion (on the set, or behind a mic) become a reality. These things are vain, and, in most cases, wrong. But then there’s us – with an opportunity to make an eternal impact for the cause of Christ. And I wonder how much we’re willing to go without for the sake of the Father’s business.

Secondly, I see that when we make radical sacrifices or make the choices and changes, some will not understand. But for the Father’s sake, it’s worth it. Might we be willing to live and give for the sake of the Father’s business, and for the sake of His Son, who gave all up for our sakes.