October 3, 2017. Matthew 2, Luke 2:39-52.

 

In light of passages like John 1:12, we as believers use the phrase that we are the children of God.  What an awesome way to see ourselves.  We are God’s sons and daughters, His children.  As we learn about Jesus’s childhood in today’s passages, we are given a picture of what it means to be a child of God, by looking at Jesus as God’s Son, His “Child.”

Luke 2:40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

When we do not hinder our relationship with our Heavenly Father, this what happens to us as one of His children. As a child of God we too can grow and become strong in spirit, filled with wisdom having God’s grace upon us. 

Then when Jesus’ earthly parents come to Him at the temple He asks them two questions as the Son of God.

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

He makes it clear with the second question, the focus for Him, when it comes to His daily life.  He must be about His Father’s business.

It is no different for us as God’s children. In a very profound Scripture, about our salvation by grace, we are told this about ourselves.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Our Father created us in His Son Christ Jesus so we can also be about our Father’s business.  The “business” of good works which He prepared beforehand, specifically for us, in every area of our lives.

When the time drew near for Jesus’ earthly life to come to an end, here is what He was honestly able to tell His Father.

John 17:4 “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”

Our desire should be to live our lives so that when our earthly life is about to come to an end we can honestly say these same words to our Father.  How we have glorified Him on the earth.  We have glorified Him by finishing the good works which He has given us to do.