After the Festivities
“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.”~ Lk. 41-48
Luke records the only single incident of the boyhood of Jesus, as well as His first spoken words. He was twelve years old, and Mary and Joseph had taken Him to Jerusalem for the once a year feast of Passover. When they left, they, unintentionally, left Jesus behind. Traveling with a caravan, Mary thought Him to be with Joseph, or one of His kin. Joseph, no doubt, felt the same. A day out, they discovered He was missing. They searched for Him among their relations, then the next day, traveled back to Jerusalem, and on the third day, they found Him in the temple.
We must be careful during religious festivities that we do not lose sight of Christ. It was not while they were fasting that they lost Him, but while they were feasting. Fond memories of Him in the past are not actually fellowship with Him in the present.
If you have lost sight of Christ during this season of the year, it would be well to emulate Mary and Joseph: “When they found him not, they turned back again...”You’ll always find Him where you lost Him.
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