Where Will You Be Found?

I recently preached this to the Youth Ministry at my Church, thought it was worth sharing...

In Luke 2:43-52, we find the only story of Christ as a boy, other than his birth.
What amazes me is the lesson we can learn through Jesus' actions.

The story opens with a feast and Jesus' parents have begun their journey home. But we find that Jesus has stayed back in Jerusalem and is in the Temple Courts. Now, this wasn't just the outer Courts or even the place for 'every day' people, this area was the place reserved for the Pharisees and teachers of the Law... Jesus is found here sitting amongst them asking and answering questions. More than that, they are AMAZED at his understanding.

Meanwhile, we know his parents have been looking for him frantically, and it takes them 3 days to finally find Him. Mary and Joseph knew for a fact that their son, Jesus, was the Messiah (the Virgin birth kind of gave that one away) But the Messiah they, and every other Jewish person was expecting, was supposed to bring about 'Political' change through a revolt or uprising. Naturally then, they would have been looking to find Jesus in the Royal Palace, or government court yards etc, because a Messiah with 'political' agendas would have been found here.
Finally, in what may have been a last resort, they go into the Temple and find a gathering of people around their son.
They find Him sharing and partaking in conversations on topic way beyond his age and understanding.

Jesus on seeing his parents asks "why were you searching for me?" as if to say, "why did you waste your time in the palace and streets, of course this is where I would be found!"
-It was clear to him the kind of revolution he was to bring, but his parents were still to learn.
He then goes on to say, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's House?"
Jesus knew his calling from such a young age, he knew his place was in His Father's house and it was in this place that he would bring the most change.

We are told Jesus returned with his parents to their home town and the Chapter concludes.

To finish I would like to point out a few things:
-Even when people expected certain things from Jesus, like bringing military or political change, He didn't lose sight of his true calling and purpose.
-By placing Himself in the House of God, he actually drew others, such as his parents, into the House.
-Jesus loved the House of God.

So I ask you, Where Will You Be Found?
When people come looking for you, where will they find you?
Will you lead them to the House of God?
When people expect certain things of you, or when your going through tough life situations will you cave into the pressure and leave the House or will you find strength and help in the House of God?

In our New Testament understanding, The Church- God's people, are the answer to the hurt and suffering in this world. So I encourage you to be apart of the Church, because it's there you will find the answers your looking for and be apart of the Solution.

Lk.