Have your ever left your phone behind somewhere? Not known where it was for six hours? Not lost but just totally forgot about it for 1 day? How about 3 days?
“After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it” — Luke 2:43
Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Jesus was 12-years old. They were evidently very distracted by the excitement and business of the Feast. In fact, Mary and Joseph began their return trip to Nazareth only to realize well into the trip that Jesus was not with them. It would be three days before they would be reunited with their son. It caused quite a scare for Mary and Joseph, and they reprimanded Jesus for “wandering” off.
As a parent, I find this story truly amazing. First of all, if this happens today, Mary and Joseph are getting a visit from the department of Health & Human Services. But how can parents of the Son of God not know their son is not in their presence? Yet, this story illustrates how each of us can become so busy that we continue to operate not realizing Jesus is no longer with us. And when we hit that point, there is usually a stresser creating a shift in our focus without realizing it;
- worry if we can pay the bills
- fear that I’m not good enough
- anxious if I will pass the test
- control of my future
In the process of solving the crisis ourselves, we shift our focus to the how leaving Jesus behind. Jesus promises peace, feeding you in every season, and meeting of every need, so let go of your “how I’m going to do it” or “how I’m gonna get thru it” and the worry, fear, and anxiousness that hangs out with it.
Reflection |
Is your focus on Jesus or your how today?