Luke 2:41-52
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Reflection
After Mary and Joseph find their missing son sitting among the teachers of Israel, we hear Jesus speak for the first time as he explains to his parents the necessity of his mission (Luke 2:49). Though they do not understand the significance of Jesus’ statement (v. 50), the entire scene makes clear that this young boy has astonishing insight (vv. 46–47), a clear awareness of his unique relationship with God the Father, and a commitment to the mission he has been sent to accomplish (v. 49).
Though we may at times find ourselves confused or unclear about the things that Jesus says and does, we should be quick to remember the astonishing nature of the Son of God. Rather than reacting foolishly or sinfully when we don’t completely understand God and his ways, we should follow Mary’s humble example and carefully ponder the wonders of our Savior (v. 51).
Ephesians 1:3-10
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Reflection
Paul uses the language of “in Christ” or “in him” or “in the Lord Jesus” roughly 40 times in Ephesians. This is a reference to the reality of the believer’s union with Jesus. Union with Christ is not a single specific blessing we receive in our salvation. Rather, it refers to the fact that we have been joined to him by faith, and since we now belong to him, we inherit all the blessings of salvation. Paul says that we have unconditional election in Christ (Eph. 1:4), adoption in Christ (v. 5), redemption and forgiveness in Christ (v. 7), and the fulfillment of God’s plan in Christ (v. 9), until the final uniting of all things in Christ (v. 10). Our entire blessedness —our victory, our happiness, our hope—is bound up in our being bound to Christ.
Psalm 34:22
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Our union with Jesus is a profoundly important spiritual reality. As you read through the book of Ephesians, ask God to help you grow in your understanding of what it means to be “in Christ.”