Our Father's House

“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Luke’s second chapter is well-known for its account of our Savior’s birth. But the end of the chapter gives us a peak into the life of Jesus between the manger and the beginning of his ministry. Twelve-year-old Jesus traveled with his parents to Jerusalem for Passover. When the festival was over, Mary and Joseph left Jerusalem to go home, assuming Jesus was with them. When they became aware of his absence, they made their way back to Jerusalem to search for him. Luke tells us they found him in the temple, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.”

Mary asked, “Why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you.” Jesus was confused by their lack of understanding. His answer alludes to a promise given to the people of God: “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

One of the major themes of Scripture is that of Almighty God creating a place in which to dwell with His people. In John 14, Jesus says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you… where I am, there you may be also.” Because of His birth, life, and eventual sacrifice on the cross, we have been made co-heirs with Christ. Our glorious inheritance includes dwelling in our Father’s house for all time. No fear of displacement. No chance of war. No threat of devastation. We will dwell in our Father’s house.

May we set our sights on that day with joy and determination. Just as the Christ-child longed to be with His Father, may the longing of our hearts be to dwell with our Father in His house.

Holy Father, we thank you for the certainty that one day our struggle will end, all wrongs will be made right, and we will get to rest and dwell with you forever. Amen.

LAUREN ARMSTRONG
Master of Divinity Student
League City, Texas