First Sunday After Christmas (C), December 28, 2003

The story of Jesus as a boy in the Jerusalem temple is unique to the gospel of Luke. As with Luke’s other special material, we might understand this story more if we ask the question, "Why did Luke see this story as so special that he included it?"

A Place in the Family Business.

The story begins by telling us Jesus is residing in Nazareth with Joseph and Mary. As a twelve-year-old Jewish male, Jesus was expected to attend Passover in Jerusalem. At twelve, Jesus would have gone through the education and rites of passage into manhood for Jewish males. He would have already been training in the family business. He would have been assisting Joseph as a carpenter.

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Family businesses certainly aren’t as common as they once were. Family Business Magazine reports that most companies of all types fail within twenty years of being started. Family businesses have more success stories, but only four percent of those last into the fourth generation. The magazine did find that there are about 102 companies in the United States that have remained in the same family since 1865 or before. One fascinating company can trace its origin to the year 1623. Now U.S.-based, the Zildjian Cymbal Co. started in Constantinople by alchemist Avedis I.

In our scripture today we see one member of a family redefining the family business. Although Jesus maintains his obedience to his earthly parents he clearly defines his life by his relationship with his heavenly Father. He seems surprised that Mary and Joseph did not expect him to be about his heavenly Father’s business. In contrast to his earthly guardians setting his day’s agenda, he has let his heavenly Father set his agenda. He has stayed behind in Jerusalem when the rest of the family proceeded to journey toward home.

Who the Father is defines the business.

Jesus’ reference to God as Father is not without precedent. Malachi declared that the Creator was Father of all. (Malachi 2:10) Jeremiah prophesied to the nation Israel that the nation would address God as "My Father." (Jeremiah 22:3) Jesus is using the Old Testament prophetic word in a new way. He is proclaiming that this God of their History was His Father and the Father of His personal story. Jesus’ story is His (God’s) story. God’s business was His business.

He reveals the nature of God in the name Father. The other three gospels confirm this important revelation. In John 2 we read about the adult Jesus coming again to the temple at the time of Passover. It is early in Jesus’ public ministry. He casts out the moneychangers and then refers to God as he did in Luke’s story. He says, "Do not make my Father’s house a house of merchandise." As a child he allowed God to order his day with the priority of his Father’s business. As a man he is still following God’s priorities for his day. He is still doing his Father’s business. When Jesus gives his disciples instruction in praying, he says, "When you pray, say: Our Father."

Jesus speaks about a father who offers grace when an erring son returns. He assures his listeners of God’s constant care. He refers to a Father who gives good things and supplies every need. Jesus’ life and death reveal the Father can be known in all circumstances, bringing us through the difficult and the daily times of life. Jesus communicates in teaching and miracles that God keeps us in His love and gives grace to His children.

Staying in the Family Business.

Family Business Magazine reports that the Tuttle Farm of Dover, N.H., founded in 1635, is run by eleventh generation Will Tuttle. Mr. Tuttle is realistic in his assessment of the farm’s future. He acknowledges that just because there have been eleven generations of Tuttles on the farm, the decision that there will be a twelfth generation depends solely on that generation’s decision.

And now our Father’s business is our decision. Jesus’ public ministry is often seen as starting with His baptism. Perhaps we should look again at this story of a child publicly proclaiming He must be about His Father’s business. Perhaps, it is precisely the Father’s business that made Luke include this story in his account.

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Sermon brief provided by Carolyn Volentine, Pastor, United Methodist Church, DeQuincy, LA.