The Savior Identifies His Father (Luke 2:39-52)

Mary and Joseph depart from Jerusalem without realizing that Jesus, their growing twelve year old boy, decided to stayed behind. After a few days of searching, they find him in the temple asking and answering questions among an amazed group of teachers. When his parents ask why he caused them such anxiety, he speaks of how he needed to be involved in the things of his heavenly Father. Although his earthly parents don’t understand what he meant, Jesus continues in subjection to them as he matures into adulthood. Jesus is the obedient Son of God who came to us, born fully human, so that he could grow up to do his Father’s will and die on a cross to save sinners.