And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Luke 2:49

This is no doubt one of the earliest accounts of anyone encountering the Lord Jesus. He was just a young boy, twelve years of age. This is the only record we have of the Lord Jesus in His youth. From the time of His birth until the beginning of His public ministry, this is the sole written account. Since this is true, it speaks volumes to us and is a very instructive moment—especially for Mary!

From the time the angel appeared to her, announcing the birth of the Lord Jesus, Mary had many things to ponder. This comes out beautifully in her song in Luke 1:46–55. She sings of her need for a Savior (vv. 46–47) and of her willingness to magnify the Lord with her soul, spirit, and body (vv. 46–48). She gives praise to God (vv. 46–48) for His power and mercy (vv. 49–50), His providence and sovereignty (vv. 51–53), and for His promises and faithfulness in keeping them (vv. 54–55).

But now, years have passed, and her baby boy is twelve years old. We are told, “He grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him” (Luke 2:40). The custom for this devout, godly couple was to go up to Jerusalem every year for the Feast of Passover. From the passage, we learn that they traveled in a caravan with others. “Supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.’”

The Lord Jesus replied, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Here, the Lord Jesus states very clearly why He came into this world. In John 4:34 we hear Him say, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (see also John 6:38; 17:4; 19:30).

Mary kept this encounter in her heart, meaning she pondered all that had happened. No doubt, when she stood at the Cross, all these things came flooding back to her (John 19:25).

Anchor For Today:
The Lord Jesus came to do the will of the Father and to finish His work. And He did! He pleased the Father in perfect faithfulness, obedience, and holiness.