Letting Go Isn't Easy

N.T.#487 "Letting Go Isn't Easy"

Feb. 14, 2025 

Luke 2-Part 8 

LET IT GLOW

When we dropped off our daughter at college for the first time, I cried all the way home, 3 hours. Yet, I know she was at the right place to grow as a Christian. When our son moved out after graduating high school, it cut my heart out. But I knew it was time for him to flap those wings and fly. A mamma never stops praying for her children, loving them. watching them grow.

When Jesus 12, He went with His parents to Jerusalem for the Passover. It was probably an ordinary time with hundreds of Jews attending the festival. The unusual thing which happened occurred afterwards:

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother knew not of it. (verse 43)

• Jesus' parents supposed He was with others in the company returning northward home. But Jesus wasn't with them after a day's journey.
• The parents searched for Him among the kinsfolk and acquaintances. (verse 45)
• Jesus was still under the authority of Joseph at that age. At age 13, a Jewish boy is considered a man, with the rights and responsibilities of adulthood, and fully responsible to know and follow the Law of Moses. The bar mitzyah was coming up for Jesus. (Swindoll)

Poor Mary, she must have been in a panic. Mammas understand. We are mother hens when it comes to our children. We want to protect them. Mary had carefully taken care of this God-given child. Yet, Jesus did not need protecting. God His Heavenly Father was doing it.

LET IT GLOW

Jesus was safely sitting in the Temple, listening to and asking questions of the doctors. 

Doctors refer to and instructor; teacher; master.

All that heard Jesus were astonished at His understanding and answers. Jesus was far beyond His years in understanding. It was the Heavenly Father at work in Jesus, filling Him with wisdom, knowledge and understanding of spiritual things. Sounds like Jesus was hungry for the Word of God.

Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been searching for You. (verse 48)

In other words, "What are you doing here? You are supposed to be with us on our way home. What were you thinking? You worried us half sick. Let's go home." That is what I would have said.

How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (verse 49)

Considering who Jesus was, The Son of God, His parents should have known where to find Jesus in the Temple. So Jesus went home with Mary and Joseph back to Nazareth. He was subject to them. He lived under their authority for the next 18 years. I never thought about that. But when the time comes, we must step back and let go-in spite of the hurt.  An adult child was living at home. (His ministry started when Jesus was 30.) He was learning about carpentry from Joseph and relationships from Mary. God has a timing for everything.

Letting go of people or projects we have nurtured can be very difficult. It is both sweet and painful to see our children growing into adults. Although, we should not want it any other way. What a blessing it is to see our adult children serving God in their churches! And they are raising up our grandchildren to serve God, also.

LET IT GO

We must continue to pray for our children and grandchildren as they seek the will of God. 

Pray for those who stray away. 

Let go when it comes time.

*Please pray for my niece, Kristin, age 52, who has cancer in a node in her neck. She has tests ahead, but has decided to have a double mastectomy, with reconstruction.