Luke 2:41-46 – Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. (NASB)

Several days ago, my wife and I watched a 2004 movie entitled, Mary Of Nazareth: With Jesus From Birth To Death. A particular scene caught my attention as being amusing as well as anecdotal. However, the implications of the story are not only dire, but serious.

The narrative has Mary and Joseph returning from the Feast of Passover unaware that their Son was not with them. Our passage states that they were searching for three days until they finally found Him conversing with teachers in the temple. The question immediately came to mind, "How do you lose the Son of God?" Can you contemplate the frustration and the fear of losing the Messiah?

Consider: After travelling a whole day, Mary approaches Joseph and says, "Where's Jesus?" Joseph replies, "I thought He was with you!" Then Mary responds, "No, I thought He was with you!" And they go at it. Also, if this scene were set in any modern, major city today, imagine where one would look: on a street corner, in an arcade, or maybe with other children at a hot dog stand — certainly not in church.

The Bible describes the scenario: "And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem seeking Him." (Luke 2:45 KJV) What a statement! The search is on: People in the Old Testament waited for Him for thousands of years; at His birth, shepherds sought Him, wise men followed a star to find Him, and His enemy, Herod, sought to kill Him; and now, His parents are seeking Him. Finally, after three days, the Bible informs us, Joseph and Mary found their boy Jesus.

Have you ever lost God's Son? Are there points in your life when you are so distracted by stressful, distressing, or anxious situations that you lose sight of God's Son? Often, when we find ourselves in nerve-racking situations, like sitting in traffic, our carnal nature can easily lose sight of Christ, and we may also become angry. Perhaps when we are facing a problem at work, a financial crisis, a family dispute, a tragedy, or a serious illness, do we lose the Son of God in our life? Whom do we seek when adverse situations occur? God's Word does comfort us during our time of need:

Matthew 7:8 – For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (KJV)

Isaiah 55:6 – Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. (KJV)

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we know that You watch over all Your children. You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. May we trust not in our own righteousness, but in Your mercy. Comfort us and give us joy, knowing that You are there, not only in good times, but in bad times as well. Give us peace of mind with confidence that You are with us always. Make us each worthy in Your righteousness to be called a child of Yours. In Jesus' mighty and precious name, we pray. Amen.

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