The Missing Jesus - Part I

                    The Missing Jesus - Part I
TEXT: His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And
when He was twelve years old, they went to Jerusalem according to the custom
of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus
lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and his mother did not know it; but
supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey and
sought Him among relatives and acquaintances. So when the did not find Him,
they returned to Jerusalem seeking Him. (Luke 2: 41-45)
This is a familiar story known to many Christians. But today I want to go beyond
the story-line of this incidence. I am concern about the lessons embedded in the
story and see how they affect our walk with Jesus.
I still find it difficult to imagine what could have made Joseph and Mary missed
Jesus and did not realize until after a whole day journey assuming that He was
still in their midst. If this could happen to Joseph and Mary who loved Jesus
passionately and also have biological and emotional attachment with Jesus, then
nobody could be too sure that such thing cannot happen to him. Therefore, we
need to begin to examine ourselves critically.
Mary carried Jesus for nine months in her womb and nurtured Him with Joseph
for twelve years. How could they have missed Jesus without knowing? In the
same vein, you might have been a Christian for many years and passionately
been working in the church, yet not knowing that Jesus is missing in your life. It
is one thing working for Jesus. It is another thing walking with Jesus. This is the
case with many Christians in the church today. They are working with passion for
Jesus but not walking with Jesus and they don't know that Jesus is missing from
their lives.
In the next part of this series, I will examine some vital signs that may indicate
that Jesus is missing in our life.
Remain blessed.