Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage is found in the third chapter of this New Testament book. “Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch for Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Luke 3:1-9). “And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answered and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:10-14). “And as the people were in expectation, all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, nor on the; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latches of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison” (Luke 3:15-20). “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased” (Luke 3:21-22). “And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Hell, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Lbi, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Janna, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Mos, which was the son of Nahum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge, which was the son of Maath, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Semei, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joanna, which was the son of Rhesa, which was the son of Zorobabel, which was the son of Salathiel, which was the son of Neri, which was the son of Melchi, which was the son of Addi, which was the son of Cowan, which was the son of Elmodam, which was the son of Er, which was the son of Jose, which was the son of Eliezer, which was the son of Joram, which was the son of Matthat, which was the son of Levi, which was the son of Simeon, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Joseph, which was the son of JOnan, which was the son of Eliakim, which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Megan, which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David, which was the son of Jesse, which was the son of Obed, which was the son of Booz, which was the son of Salmon, which was the son of Naasson, which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Enron, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda, which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of Abraham, which was the son of Tara, which was the son of Nachor, which was the son of Saruch, which was the son of Raghu, which was the son of Phalec, which was the son of Heber, which was the son of Salma, which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, w high was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech, which was the son of Mathusala, which was the son of Enoch, which was the son of Jared, which was the son of Maleleel, which was the con of Cainan, which was the son of Eno’s, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God” (Luke 3:23-38). When you come to the third chapter of the gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke you will find roughly eighteen years having passed since the conclusion of the second chapter. If you read the words and language found in the second chapter you will find that it concludes with a younger Jesus who was about twelve years of age journeying unto the city of Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph—undoubtedly to appear before the Lord and worship Him. What we find in this passage of Scripture is that when their time in the city of Jerusalem was complete Mary and Joseph would depart from the city together with the caravan of people who had traveled with them. Despite the fact that Mary and Joseph departed from the city of Jerusalem together with the caravan of people the young Jesus would indeed remain behind in the city of Jerusalem. Scripture would reveal how Mary and Joseph would travel a day’s journey from the city of Jerusalem before realizing that Jesus was not with them. After searching for him among those who were a part of the caravan they decided to return unto Jerusalem to see if he was still present there. After spending three days searching for him there in the midst of the city of Jerusalem they would finally find him sitting in the temple speaking with, asking questions of and learning from the teachers of the Law. That which makes this particular narrative so incredibly interesting when you take the time to think about it is when you consider how even at this young age those who heard Jesus speak marveled at His understanding of the Scriptures as revealed by his answers and questions. It would be in this context Mary and Joseph would find him in the temple and would ask him very plainly why he had behaved thus and caused so great concern and worry within their hearts and souls. As you read the words which are found in the final verses of the second chapter of the gospel narrative written by Luke you will find Jesus’ response to the question asked by Mary and Joseph to not only be something which shocked and surprised them but also revealed something concerning his mission and assignment in the earth. The words you will find in this passage of Scripture present a young Jesus who asked Mary and Joseph why they engaged in a search for him—a question which would be followed by another question which caught them by surprise. This initial question as to why Mary and Joseph had searched for him would indeed be followed by a second question whether or not they were aware of the fact that they knew he must needs be about His Father’s business. Please don’t miss the incredible significance of that which is found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to that purpose for which the Lord Jesus had come into the earth. This question which Jesus would ask of Mary and Joseph would be one that would strike at the very heart of the purpose, the mission and assignment of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is that even at a young age the Lord Jesus appears to know who his Father was having spoken to them—not only of His Father but also of His Father’s business. DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR FATHER IS? THE REVELATION OF THE FATHER! Oh there is something within this passage of Scripture which we must needs recognize and understand as it calls and draws our attention to the incredible reality of the young Jesus having already learned and understood who his Father truly was. It’s here in this passage of Scripture we find the Lord Jesus speaking unto Mary and Joseph and asking them if they did not know that He must needs to be about His Father’s business. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture for not only did Jesus speak of His Father which was in heaven but the Lord Jesus would also speak of the business of His Father. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the degree and measure of understanding the Lord Jesus had of His purpose and assignment within the earth. Even at the young age of twelve the young Jesus knew who His Father was and the purpose for which He had come and been sent. Despite the fact that He was supposed to be the son of Mary and Joseph He knew who His true Father was and that He was come into the earth to be about His Father’s business. What an absolutely incredible truth is found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and His understanding of the Scriptures as well as His understanding of identity and relationship. Please don’t miss and lose sight of what is found in this passage of Scripture for there is something truly captivating about what we find within it. I am absolutely convinced that before we can delve into the words and language found in the third chapter we must needs consider the words and language found in the final verses of the second chapter. The more you read the words which are found in the final portion of the second chapter the more you can and will encounter the incredible truth surrounding Jesus’ understanding of the Scripture, Jesus’ understanding of identity as well as Jesus’ understanding of assignment. SCRIPTURE, IDENITY AND RELATIONSHIP, ASSIGNMENT! I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to recognize the absolutely fantastic language found within this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face—first and foremost—with Jesus’ understanding of the Scriptures. I fully realize that the person we are speaking of in this text is the Lord Jesus who was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father, however, I am absolutely convinced that there is something within this text we must needs recognize concerning our own hearts and lives. If you begin reading with and from the forty-sixth verse of this chapter you will find that after three days of searching for the Lord Jesus in the midst of the city of Jerusalem they would find Him in the temple sitting in the midst of the doctors hearing them and asking them questions. What we find within this passage of Scripture is truly incredible when you take the time to think about it for all that heard him was astonished at his understanding and answers. Oh we must needs recognize and understand this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for within it we are brought face to face with the a great need within our own hearts and lives—namely an understanding of the Scriptures. Within this passage of Scripture we find Jesus being twelve years of age and while Mary and Joseph chose to depart from the city of Jerusalem Jesus Himself would remain and abide in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. The underlying reason Jesus chose to remain within the city of Jerusalem appears to be to sit in the company and presence of the doctors of the Law both hearing them speak as well as asking them questions. I sit here today reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and how he would cause the doctors of the law to marvel and be astonished at his understanding and answers. Oh there is something we must needs pay close attention to when we read the words found in this passage of Scripture for what we find within it is an incredibly powerful picture of the Lord Jesus not only hearing that which the doctors of the law had to speak but also asking them questions. Here in the midst of the court of the Temple Jesus would sit in the house of His Father discussing the Law His Father had given unto their fathers through Moses atop the mountain in the wilderness centuries and generations earlier. Stop for a moment and truly take the time to consider the words and language we find here for within it we are brought face to face with the truth of the Lord Jesus sitting in the Temple, the house and the sanctuary of his Father which was in heaven. If you read the four New Testament gospel narratives you will find that when Jesus entered into the Temple which stood within the city of Jerusalem and beheld the money changers, the tables of money, the buying and selling of doves and other items that would be used for sacrifice He would not only overturn the tables of money but He would also drive out the money changers and cast out that which was sold in the midst of the Temple. What’s more is that when you read the words which are found within these texts you will find the Lord Jesus speaking unto those who were present concerning the Temple which stood in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and how the Temple which stood in the midst of Jerusalem was indeed His Father’s house. Oh this is absolutely incredible to think about and consider—particularly and especially when you consider the words which we find in the second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke. In order to understand how and why Jesus would chose to abide, remain and sit within the Temple of the living God which stood in the midst of the city of Jerusalem I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to recognize the words and language which are found in each of the four gospel narratives which are found in the midst of the New Testament. There is not a doubt in my mind that if you want to truly understand the words which are found in the second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician there is a great need to read and pay attention to the words which are found in each of the four gospel narratives which are found in the four gospel narratives which were written by each of the gospel authors. It’s actually quite unique to read each of the gospel narratives for within each of them we find them choosing to present their readers and audience with the account of the Lord Jesus being present in the midst of the Temple when He would overturn the tables of money, drive out the money changers and cast out that which was bought and sold in the midst of it. It is with this being said I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in each of the New Testament gospel narratives beginning with the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew: “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, and said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there” (Matthew 21:12-17). “And they come to Jerusalem; and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city” (Mark 11:15-19). “And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought; saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves. And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, and could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him” (Luke 19:45-48). “After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews’ Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: and when he had made a scrounge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up” (John 2:12-17). It is absolutely necessary for us to read the words which we find within these passages of Scripture—particularly that which is referenced in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. Within each of these passages of Scripture we find the account of the Lord Jesus entering into the temple and beholding the tremendous amount of commerce and merchandise that was present within it. The Lord Jesus would enter into the court of the Temple and would not only overturn the tables of money and cast out the money changers but He would also cast out those who bought and sold doves and those who would turn worship and sacrifice into profit and that which would become a business . The words and language we find within these passages of Scripture must needs be carefully considered when you take the time to read them for within them we do in fact find the Lord Jesus overturning tables of money and driving out that which was bought and sold within the Temple, however, within three of these accounts we find Jesus using that which was written in Scripture concerning the Temple which was to be a house of prayer. The Lord Jesus would indeed quote from the prophet Isaiah concerning the Temple of the living God and how the Temple would indeed be a house of prayer unto all nations—a sanctuary and vessel where the nations of the earth could gather together before and in the presence of the living God and worship before Him. Oh how we must needs recognize and understand this for within this passage of Scripture we also find the Lord Jesus referring to the Temple of the living God as the house of His Father. It would be the apostle John who would present a different account of the words which are found in the other gospels for John would present Jesus as emphatically declaring that the Temple would indeed be the house of His Father. There is a great need to recognize and understand the words which are found within these passages of Scripture for they bring us face to face with Jesus’ understanding of the Temple for within each of them we find the Lord Jesus declaring the Temple to not only be a house of prayer unto all nations but also as being His Father’s house. This takes on a whole new meaning when you consider the language of the Lord Jesus at the age of twelve when He chose to tarry and abide in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph together with the caravan of friends, family members and loved ones would depart from the city of Jerusalem and make their way back to Nazareth of Galilee and would travel as far as a day’s journey outside of the city of Jerusalem. It would be after spending a day’s worth of traveling they would search for the young Jesus among those who were present in the midst of the caravan. When they could not find the young Jesus among those who traveled and journeyed with them they would turn themselves about and return unto Jerusalem. It would be another three days before Mary and Joseph would find the Lord Jesus and when they did they would find Him in a place they perhaps were not expecting. Upon returning unto the city of Jerusalem Mary and Joseph would find the Lord Jesus sitting in the court of the Temple among the doctors of the Law hearing them and asking them questions. Not only this but the beloved physician Luke writes and records how the doctors of the Law were astonished and amazed by the understanding of the Lord Jesus—and not only the understanding he possessed but also by the questions he asked. I cannot help but be absolutely gripped and captivated with the words found in this passage of Scripture for within it we find three distinct elements and components which are necessary in our own hearts and lives. I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to pay close attention to the words we see here in this passage for it calls and draws our attention to the truth surrounding the narrative of the Lord Jesus. There is not a doubt in my mind that when we read the words found in this passage of Scripture we are indeed brought face to face with the incredible truth surrounding Jesus’ need to be in the Temple of the Lord. I would dare say that while it was indeed true that Jesus spoke of His Father and His Father’s business He would also recognize and understand the Temple which stood in the midst of the city of Jerusalem was indeed His Father’s house. There is a great need for us to pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they bring us face to face with the Lord Jesus recognizing and understanding concerning the Temple and how the Temple would indeed be the house of His Father. Although the text does not explicitly mention the Lord Jesus speaking unto those who were present on this particular day the Temple was the house of His Father I would dare say that He knew and understood this to be true. If the young Jesus who was twelve years of age knew and recognized that He needed to be about His Father’s business then I would dare say that He recognize and understood the Temple was indeed the house of His Father. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for what we find here in this particular passage of Scripture is the Lord Jesus abiding in the house of His Father which was in heaven speaking concerning the Law which was given unto their fathers through His servant Moses. If there is one thing we must needs understand upon reading the words we see within this passage it’s that Jesus was indeed very much aware of the Scriptures—even from a young age. Luke makes it very clear that Jesus was only twelve years of age at this time and yet He would astonish the doctors of the Law—not only by the answers he gave to their questions but also by his understanding. Oh there is something truly amazing about the words we find in this text for within we encounter the young Jesus who was very much aware of the Scripture and had an understanding of the scripture having been the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father which was in heaven. Oh if there is one thing we must needs pay attention to when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s how the Lord Jesus possessed a deep and abiding understanding of the Law and of the Scriptures. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the need within our own hearts and lives to be those who understand the Scriptures. It was the apostle Paul who would declare that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and how it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and exhortation. This is something we must needs understand for it was also the psalmist who would declare concerning the word that it was a lamp unto their feet and a light unto their path. The same psalmist would also declare of the word how they would hide it in their heart that they might not sin against the living God. It would be the apostle Paul who would emphatically declare that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God while the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews would speak of the word of God as being quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword which pierces even to the dividing sunder of soul and spirit and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Oh we must needs recognize and pay close attention to the words which we see in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the incredible need to be those who have a deep and abiding understanding of the word of God within their hearts. Jesus was only twelve years old at this particular time and yet He would cause the doctors of the Law to be astonished and to marvel at his doctrine and his understanding. It would be on this particular occasion the Lord Jesus would be found in the midst of the Temple both hearing the words the doctors of the law would speak as well as asking them questions. I have to admit I am incredibly curious about the words and language we find in hit passage of Scripture for I would love to know what types of questions a twelve year old Jesus would ask the teachers and doctors of the law. What I wouldn’t give to have been able to have been present on this particular day and to hear the words the Lord Jesus spoke unto them. I would absolutely love to have been able to be there present in the Temple of the Lord as Jesus not only heard that which the teachers of the Law taught but also asked them questions. Oh if there is one thing we must needs recognize and pay close attention to when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture it’s the tremendous importance and need for us to possess and understanding of the Scriptures. We must needs recognize and acknowledge that we as the saints of God and the disciples of the Lord Jesus have a great need to understand the Scriptures and to hide the word of God within our hearts that we might indeed be those who might not sin against the Lord. The Lord Jesus demonstrated His understanding of the Law and of the Scriptures within this passage which is something we must needs recognize and pay attention to as it pertains to our own lives and the need to understand that which is found and contained within the word of God. The more you read the words found in this passage of Scripture the more you will find that Jesus didn’t merely understand the Scripture but He also understood His Idenity and relationship to the Father which was in heaven. In response to Mary and Joseph asking Him why He had dealt with this after this manner the Lord Jesus would ask them if they did not know that he must needs be about His Father’s business. Just for a moment omit the word “business” from the statement the Lord Jesus would make unto Mary and Joseph for that question would indeed suggest and speak of the relationship He had with the Father in heaven. Imagine sitting in the presence and company of the doctors of the Law and asking that one who was supposed to have been his father if they knew that He must needs be about His Father’s business. This question is one that would be incredibly significant for in all reality this would be the first time Jesus would allude to and reference the living God in heaven as being His Father. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it demonstrates that even before the voice of the Father broke through the silence at the Jordan River after Jesus emerged from the waters of baptism he knew and understood that He was indeed the Son of His Father which was in heaven. Even at the age of twelve the Lord Jesus recognized and understood that His Father was indeed in heaven and that He was the Son of the Father. Jesus’ question which would be asked of Mary and Joseph is one which has a tremendous significance to it for this question would present them with something they would need to truly ponder and think about—namely that the twelve year boy they had raised from the time he was born until now was speaking of different Father. Oh how absolutely incredible the words and language are within this passage of Scripture for within it we encounter the Lord Jesus alluding to the living and eternal God in heaven as being His Father. I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I cannot help but be captivated with the incredible truth that is found within it as it calls and draws our attention to Jesus’ understanding at this young age how His Father was indeed the living and eternal God which was in heaven. Oh we know and understand that Jesus’ association and relationship to the living God as His Father would so anger and infuriate the Jews that they would not only seek to persecute Him but would also seek to kill Him. It would be in the fifth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find the Jews seeking to persecute the Lord Jesus because He had healed a man on the sabbath day. Moreover we would find the Jews not only seeking to persecute the Lord Jesus because He had healed on the sabbath day but we also find the Jews seeking to kill and put Him to death because He had spoken of His Father which was in heaven. The Jews sought to kill and destroy the Lord Jesus because He had spoken of God as being His Father thus making Himself equal to and with God. The Jews could not handle the idea that Jesus of Nazareth—that one whose father, and mother and brethren they knew—could indeed be the Son of the living God. The words and language we find in this passage of Scripture calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding Jesus’ understanding—even before his baptism in the waters of the Jordan River at the age of thirty—that He was indeed the Son of the living God. Here within this passage we find Jesus recognizing His identity to and relationship with the living and eternal God in heaven for He would speak of that God as being His Father. It would be the Lord Jesus who would indeed speak unto Mary and Joseph and would ask them if they did not know that He must needs be about His Father’s business. Oh the more I read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the captivating truth centered around the Lord Jesus and His understanding of His relationship to the living God in heaven. Here at the age of twelve we find the Lord Jesus speaking unto Mary and Joseph concerning His relationship with the living and eternal God which was in heaven and how this God was indeed His Father. Jesus’ question would indeed suggest that the living and eternal God would be His Father—something which would indeed anger and infuriate the Jews later on during His public ministry. What a truly astonishing and captivating thought it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and how at the age of twelve the Lord Jesus would refer to the living God as His Father. What makes this truly intriguing when you think about it is how there were those who were present—the doctors of the Law, the parents of Jesus and those who were present in the midst of the court of Temple—who perhaps had absolutely no clue who Jesus was referring to. Imagine being the doctors of the Law and others who were present on this particular truth hearing the words which the Lord Jesus had spoke unto them concerning His Father—and not only His Father but also His Father’s business. How absolutely incredible it would have been to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and to consider the response and reaction those who were present in the Temple on this particular day when they would hear the Lord Jesus speak of His Father—and not only His Father’s business. Here on this particular occasion we find the Lord Jesus speaking of His Father—something which at that time would not have caused anyone to think anything of the words which He spoke. OH I would absolutely love to know what the doctors of the Law and those who were present on this particular occasion thought when they heard the words which the Lord Jesus had spoken unto them concerning His being about His Father’s business. I’m sitting here right now thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the incredible truth that the Lord Jesus would indeed emphatically declare unto Mary and Joseph that He must be about His Father’s business. It is this concept of the living and eternal God as being His Father as well as His being about the will, the work and the business of His Father which was in heaven that would strike at the very heart of his public ministry within the land of Judaea and Galilee. Particularly and especially within the New Testament gospel narrative written within the apostle John we find countless times of the Lord Jesus referring to the living and eternal God as His Father. It was the Lord Jesus Christ who would continually speak of the living and eternal God which was in heaven as being His Father—and not only as being His Father but also as needing to be about His Father’s work and His Father’s purpose in the midst of the earth. Oh how absolutely wonderful it is to read the words which are found within the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John for within it we encounter the incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and His understanding of His relationship to the living God as His Father. What’s more is that time and time again we find the Lord Jesus speaking unto the Jews, unto the religious leaders and unto those who were present during those days how He must needs be about His Father’s business and about His Father’s work. Before I return to the words which are found in the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to read and consider the words which are found in the fourth and fifth chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. The words we find here in these two chapters help highlight and underscore the incredible reality of the Lord Jesus — not only being about his Father’s business but also His understanding that the living and eternal God was indeed his Father. It is in each of these two chapters we are brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding Jesus’ understanding of the living and eternal God as His Father which was in heaven and how he must needs be about the Father’s business. Within these two chapters we are brought face to face with the truly wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and His understanding of the living and eternal God in heaven being His Father. What’s more is that within these chapters we find the Lord Jesus speaking of His need to engage Himself and be about the business, the work and the will of the Father. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found within each of these passages of Scripture beginning with the fourth chapter: “In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, hath any man brought him ought to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and them cometh harvest? Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to the harvest. And he that repeats receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that Soweto and he that reapers may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One Soweto, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that wherein ye bestowed no labour: other men labour Ed, and. Ye are entered into their labours” (John 4:31-38). “And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day. But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of itself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done vil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me” (John 5:16-30). There is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words found in these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the understanding Jesus had concerning His identity and relationship to God as His Father. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for to do so would be to miss out on the incredible importance of what we find in the final verses of the second chapter of the gospel narrative written by Luke. Within and throughout the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find constant reference to the Father and Jesus’ understanding of His relationship to God as His Father. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand it’s that Jesus’ understanding of being the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father it’s that the final verses of the second chapter of the gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke seem to indicate that even at a young age He recognized that God was His Father. The words and text we find in this passage of Scripture calls our attention to the fact that the Lord Jesus truly understood His relationship to the Father which was in heaven and when his earthly parents [or those who were supposed to be His parents] asked Him why he had dealt with them thus He asked them if they did not know that He must be about His Father’s business. From a young age—even before Jesus would become a teenager—He would know and understand that God was His Father and that there was a specific purpose and assignment. The living and eternal God was the Father of the Lord Jesus and His ultimate purpose was to carry out and fulfill His plan, His work and His purpose in the midst of the earth. This is something we have a great need of recognizing and paying attention to for it brings us face to face with the reality of how important revelation of relationship and identity is. If there is one thing I can’t help but realize when I consider the words found in the final verses of the second chapter it’s at what point the Lord Jesus recognized and understood that God was His Father. I read the words found in the final verses of the second chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke and I am brought face to face with the truth that even at the young age of twelve Jesus knew that God was His Father. What I can’t help but wonder is at what point the Lord Jesus recognized and understood that God was His Father. There is not a doubt in my mind that Jesus spoke deliberately and intentionally and when He made the statement about being about His Father’s business—not only was he speaking about the purposes, plan and will of the Father within the earth but also of His relationship to and with the Father. I find it absolutely astonishing when reading the words found in this section of Scripture and how they call and draw our attention to the wonderful reality of the Lord Jesus having received revelation from the Father which was in heaven concerning His Idenity and relationship to Him. We know according to Scripture that Jesus knew and understood God was His Father and that would radically transform and shape His entire life. Jesus chose to remain and abide in the city of Jerusalem because He desired to be about His Father’s business—something which I can’t help but wonder what that was. Luke presents us with the reality that the Lord Jesus was found sitting among the doctors of the law in the Temple both hearing them speak and asking them questions. Not only this but Luke also writes and records how those who heard the questions Jesus asked and the words which He spoke marveled at His degree and measure of understanding. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture for I would absolutely love to know what those questions were which the Lord Jesus Christ asked the doctors of the law. We know from reading the New Testament gospel narratives that Jesus would eventually and ultimately find himself in conflict and constant struggle with the religious leaders of that generation and yet here we find him at the age of twelve sitting among them hearing them and asking them questions. Oh what I wouldn’t give to know what Jesus and these doctors of the law talked about during their time together and what types of questions Jesus would ask them. There is something truly powerful about the words presented in this passage of Scripture for within them we are brought face to face with the truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and His understanding of the Scriptures, His understanding of the Father and even His understanding of the Father’s business. The more I read the words found in this passage of Scripture the more I am confronted with this three-fold need within our own hearts and lives as we are not only called to be those who understand the Scriptures but also those who understand the Father as well as the business of the Father within the earth. Jesus would ask Mary and Joseph if they did not know that He must be about His Father’s business and it would be this question that would not only suggest a Father which was different than Joseph but it would also suggest an agenda, plan and purpose which was to be established in the earth. What a truly astonishing and captivating truth is found here in this passage of Scripture as it calls and draws our attention to the fact that even at the age of twelve the Lord Jesus recognized there was a greater purpose within the earth—one that was indeed aligned with the heart, the mind and the will of the Father. To speak of and refer to “My Father’s business” not only addresses God as Father but address God as His Father. Moreover these words which were spoken by the Lord Jesus would indicate and speak of the divine will and plan of the Father within the earth. I have to admit that when I read the words found in this passage of Scripture I am captivated by the words and language contained within it. The words and language found in this passage of Scripture calls our attention to the fact that not only did Jesus speak of God as Father in general terms but He also spoke of God as Father in personal terms. These words were the first indication that God would and perhaps even could be a Father—not only to the Lord Jesus but also unto others. What we must find so incredibly captivating and alluring about this passage is that at the age of twelve Jesus would suggest that God could be Father. It would be at the age of twelve the Lord Jesus Christ would begin suggesting and introducing a different type of relationship to and with the living and eternal God. The words which the Lord Jesus spoke on this particular occasion did in fact reveal the awesome and powerful truth that God could indeed be more than simply this impersonal and distant being but could in fact be Father. Of course we know that Jesus was the eternal and only begotten Son of the Father, however, when you read Scripture you will find the Lord Jesus inviting us as His disciples and followers into relationship with God as our Father. In fact it would be when the Lord Jesus would teach His disciples and those who would walk with and follow Him how to pray He would teach them to pray addressing the living and eternal God as “Father.” It would in the Lord’s Prayer he would guide and instruct His disciples to pray before the God of heaven and earth addressing Him as Father thus directly connecting the disciples and the Lord Jesus in this unique relationship as brethren in the sight and presence of the living God. This is something we must needs pay close attention to for in the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome we find an additional reference to the living God as our Father which is in heaven. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely powerful it is for our lives for we have been invited to enter into that place where we not only understand but also address the living God as Father within our lives. It is having said this I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the following passages of Scripture found within the gospel narratives as well as the eighth chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After she manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:5-13). “And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Giver us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:1-4). “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh,and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself heareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:1-17). It is with all of this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the fourth chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Galatian churches. Within this particular chapter we are indeed brought face to face with the absolutely incredible truth that within this epistle the apostle Paul would indeed write unto those who had allowed themselves to be caught up, ensnared and bound by legalism and hypocrisy rather than living free in and according to the Holy Spirit. Within this epistle in which the apostle Paul seeks to extract these dear saints and brethren from the snare and clutch of legalism and religion he would also seek to convey unto them that they had been given the Spirit of liberty and freedom. What’s more is that not only did he invite them into the place where they were able to deliver themselves out of this place of liberty but they would also be brought into this place whereby they recognized and understood their relationship to the living God as Father. Oh there is something truly liberating and freeing when you not only live according to the Holy Spirit but also live in the reality of God being your Father. There is a certain truth and freedom that is allowed to be manifested within your heart when you as a saint of God and disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ allows you to walk in the revelation of God as your Father. We know that when Simon called Peter professed and confessed that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God Jesus would respond to him declaring that flesh and blood had not revealed this unto him but rather His Father which was in heaven. This is something we must needs understand for while it is indeed true that the Father reveals unto us that Jesus is indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God it was Jesus who revealed and made known the Father while walking among us in the flesh. At the same time it is the Holy Spirit who also breathes life into us and brings us into the place where we are able to recognize that the living and eternal God is indeed our Father which is in heaven. Having written these words I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the fourth chapter of the New Testament epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Galatian churches as well as the words which the apostle John wrote in the first chapter of his gospel narrative and which Jesus spoke and are recorded in the third chapter of this same gospel. Consider if you will the following words which are found in each of these passages of Scripture beginning with the words written and recorded by the apostle Paul in the fourth chapter of the epistle written unto the churches which were in Galatia: “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elects of the world: but when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Howbeit, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days and months, and times and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain” (Galatians 4:1-11). “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shine the in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father; he hath declared him” (John 1:1-18). “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind blowers where it listens, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell when it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everything one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:1-21). I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they bring us face to face with the incredible truth that is found in Jesus’ words when He was just twelve years of age. How absolutely incredible it is to think about the fact that when he was just twelve years of age Jesus would speak of God as Father—and not only of God as Father but also of God as His Father. This is something we dare not and must not lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the knowledge and understanding that God is Father. What’s more is that not only is God Father but God can also and is willing to be our Father. There is something truly captivating and beautiful about the language we find in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with a young Jesus who knew that God was His Father and even spoke such a reality unto Mary and Joseph. The world who knew Jesus supposed that Joseph was his Father, however, Jesus, Mary and Joseph would all know that He was conceived of the Holy Ghost and that He was the Son of the most High. On this particular occasion the Lord Jesus would emphatically declare unto Mary and Joseph that God was His Father—something which we must needs recognize and understand for it calls and invites us into the place where we encounter God as more than just a divine being and entity but also as our Father. Perhaps one of the greatest truths we can ever realize within our hearts and lives is that God is more than just a divine and distant being who is unapproachable. It was the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews who admonished their reader(s) and audience to come boldly before the throne of grace that they might receive grace to help in time of need. There is a truly wonderful and powerful need within our spirits and souls to understand that God is indeed our Father and that we can come boldly before Him. It is the Spirit within us which enables us to approach God as our Father and this reality is such as what we witness and behold when Jesus was just twelve years of age. With all of this being said there is a great need for us to recognize the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist for it is this prophet of the living God who would prepare and make ready men and women to meet the coming Messiah and Christ. John the Baptist knew and understood that the Messiah was indeed about to emerge on to the scene and it was his task and assignment to make ready a people to meet that Messiah and Christ. Pause for a moment and consider how absolutely incredible this ministry truly was for within it we find a man who grew up knowing that the Messiah and Christ would come. It would be while John was in the wilderness the word of the Lord would come to him and it would be as a direct result of this he would begin preparing and making ready a people to meet the Messiah and Christ. The sole mission, purpose and assignment of John the Baptist was to prepare and make ready men and women for the coming of the Messiah and the Christ which he knew was going to be manifested in the earth. Imagine being John the Baptist and fully recognizing and understanding that the Messiah and Christ—that one who had been long awaited by the Jewish people—would indeed be manifested unto and among them. Stop for a moment and consider how John the Baptist would indeed devote a considerable amount of time to preparing and making ready a people to meet the Messiah and Christ through preaching repentance unto the remission of sins. What’s more is that the ministry of John the Baptist would prepare men and women for the coming of the Messiah—one who would not only baptize with fire but would also baptize with the Holy Ghost. There is something absolutely incredible about the language we find in the third chapter of this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the powerful prophetic ministry of John the Baptist and how he would be anointed as the divine messenger of the living God to go before the Messiah that the way might be made clear before Him. As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which we see here as they present us with the powerful prophetic ministry of John the Baptist and how he was specifically ordained and chosen by the living God to prepare the way for the Messiah. Stop and consider the tremendous responsibility that would centered upon and surrounded that assignment as John the Baptist was the one who was chosen to prepare the way for the coming o the Messiah through preaching repentance unto the remission of sins as well as baptizing men and women in the waters of the Jordan River. John the Baptist would indeed be that one who was anointed and ordained by the living and eternal God for the specific purpose of preparing and making ready men and women for the coming of the Messiah and the Christ. John the Baptist knew that there was one coming who would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire and we must needs recognize and pay close attention to this for a similar calling and assignment is placed upon this generation. We in this generation know that the Lord Jesus Christ has indeed promised that He would come again and we must therefore be those who prepare the way for Him that He might come. Scripture made it very clear that the Lord Jesus is coming back for a bride that is pure and spotless without any blemish or wrinkle. The Lord Jesus is indeed coming back for a bride that has been washed in the blood of the Lamb that her garments might indeed be made clean. Oh this is something we dare not and must not ignore for it calls and draws our attention to what we have been called to in this generation which is to prepare and make ready a people for the coming of the Messiah. The Lord Jesus is indeed coming back again—not as a Lamb which takes away the sins of the world but as the Lion of the tribe of Judah—and there is a great need to prepare and make ready men and women for His coming. This is something which we must not treat casually or cavalierly for to do so would be to not only miss our assignment but also to sentence countless men and women to an eternity in hell forever separated from the presence of the living God. I absolutely love the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist for within it we find a powerful picture of that which we are being and have been called to. We as the saints of God and the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ are indeed called to be those who will prepare and make ready the way for the soon coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ. John the Baptist received the word of the Lord in the wilderness which would cause him to come forth and begin preaching repentance for the remission of sins. John the Baptist would indeed burst forth like lightning out of the sky and would present men and women with their sins and the need for repentance. We must needs recognize and pay attention to this for there is something about this ministry which we have been called to within our hearts and lives. We as the saints of God and the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have indeed been called to be those who will go before the face of the Messiah and Christ that we might make ready and prepare a people for the coming and return of the Lord Jesus Christ. If there is something we need to understand it’s that there is absolutely no time for games nor any time for fooling around for time is indeed short and we have been called into a place of divine opportunity and assignment being the voice of the forerunner in the last days preparing and making ready a people for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was Jesus who would introduce men and women to the Father and it would be John the Baptist who would introduce men to Jesus the Christ. Oh that we would be people who would in fact introduce men and women—not only to the living and eternal God who is the Father above but also to the eternal and only begotten Son.