Patris Mei | Father's house

He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” – Luke 2: 49 (WEB)

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From the gospels, Luke is the only author that records this boyhood story that took place in Jerusalem. Luke is quite unique among all the Bible authors, since he was the only Gentile author.

Luke 2:49 is quite a significant verse as it is the first recorded words of Jesus. Some translations use ‘’Father’s business” instead of “Father’s house”.

In our lives, time is very precious. It is so easy to waste time on things that are not really important and not essential. Verse 49 reminds us to focus our time and priorities on eternal things.  As a twelve-year old boy in Jerusalem, Jesus could have focused his time and attention on many things. The city offered many interesting and exciting experiences ranging from marketplaces to historical sites. Yet his parents found him in the temple. There he was listening, asking intelligent questions, and giving answers that showed unusual understanding.

These verses reminds us to follow Jesus’ example. If you want to grow spiritually, you must prioritize time for the Word of God. We should be listening to those who teach the Word, read the Word ourselves, ask questions, and think about the truths we read in the Word of God.

These verses in Matthew 6:19-21 also helps as a reminder to focus on the heavenly things:  “Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Let’s pray that we will focus our time and energy on what is really important.

Reflection on Luke 2:22-52 by Hanne Teach

(Listen to the podcast here)