Luke 2:41-52 “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. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

Text John 9:4 “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”

As we are looking for an example in the Christian life, the writer of Hebrews points us to Jesus, “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” (12:3). One area in which Jesus is our example is in His labor. This can be seen in His words in John 9:4. In making a statement about His labor, Jesus gives us three great principles about labor. In the phrase “I must work” we saw the occupation of labor. In the phrase, “work the works of him that sent me” we are introduced to the objective of His labor. Jesus did not come to this earth to do His own thing! In our Scripture reading in Luke 2 Jesus became separated from Mary and Joseph. When they questioned Him, He responded by saying, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (vs.49). When we do a detailed study of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, we discover that He came to do the Father’s will (John 6:38), speak the Father’s words (John 12:50), and perform the Father’s works (John 5:36). In Luke 2 and John 9, when speaking of doing this work, Jesus said, “I must.” The word “must” means it is necessary as binding. God has saved us and left us here to do His will, speak His words, and perform His works! On two occasions, the Father said of Jesus, “in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17, 17:5). Can He say the same about you?