January 5 | Luke 2:41-52

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DAILY READING

Luke 2:41-52

It's All About Jesus

By Elaine Pierce

REFLECTION

This story is the only one in the Bible about Jesus between his infancy and adulthood. What's important, though, is the verse right before today's passage, and the last verse we read today:

And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

We could ask lots of questions about this passage. Why didn't Jesus' parents notice he was not with their group? Was Jesus being disobedient? What does this passage tell us about Mary and Joseph and their parenting style? What kinds of questions were the teachers in the temple asking him? Luke doesn't answer any of these directly, but he does tell us that Jesus was wise, and he was strong, and he had favor with God and men and women.

Mary and Joseph made this situation all about them: "Son, why have you treated us like this Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." But the focus is on Jesus, on the Son of God, and that's where we need to focus, too. If we put ourselves in the center, we'll miss what joy and blessing and delight he has in store for us. The old hymn says it well:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in his wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of his glory and grace.

PRAYER

Lord, I want to be the center of my life, but I know that way leads to sin, frustration and failure. Help me today and every day to look to you first. Forgive me when I fall short. Help me to treasure your word as Mary did, and to love you more dearly. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!

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