Mary Had A Little Lamb
In this classic nursery rhym, Mary's little lamb followed her
everywhere she went, even to shcool one day, but according
to God's Word, His Lamb didn't follow anyone, not even His
own mother, but instead He led the way because He was
and still is the Way today. "But supposing Him to be in the caravan; they traveled on a
day's journey; and (then) they sought Him (diligently, looking
up and down for Him) among their kinsfolk and
acquaintences." Lk. 2:44 (Amplified) At the tender young age of 12, Jesus was already filled with
wisdom, something that takes most of us a life time to
achieve! He was also filled with the grace of God which was
upon Him. This shouldn't seem so unusual when you stop
and think that Jesus was God in the form of a humble 12
year old boy. This alone made Him one of a kind. He was
not a typical boy of his age. Jesus did not run away to pull a
prank on His parents. Instead, He knew He had business to
attend to out of obedience. But, nonetheless, His parents who were normal parents like
any of us today, were worried and filled with dread to think
that something might have happened to their young Son.
After three days of looking they finally found Him and much
like any parent today, they were both ecstatic and upset at
the same time. Jesus was found sitting quietly in the court
of the temple listening and asking questions of the
teachers. (Lk. 2:46) Not only was the young Jesus inquisitive, but everyone who
heard Him were astonished at His intelligence. They did not
realize who He was. His insight and understanding were far
beyond a normal person's, especially for one so young. (Lk.
2:47) It was their first reaction to scold Him, but Jesus set them
straight. "And when they (Joseph and Mary) saw Him, they were
amazed; and His mother said to Him, Child why have You
treated us like this? Here Your father and I have been
anxiously looking for You (distressed and tormented)." Lk.
2:48 (Amplified) "And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me?
Did you not see and know that it is necessary (as a duty) for
Me to be in My Father's house and (occupied) about My
Father's business?" Lk. 2:49 ( Amplified) Just like many of us still today, His parents didn't even
comprehend what He was actually saying to them. So many
times we can be face to face with the things of God and still
miss them. But we have no one to blame but ourselves
because God tells us that if we seek Him (diligently) we will
find Him. It's more than just looking casually for Him, it must
be a serious undertaking on our part. Mary and Joseph
spent 3 of the longest days of their life diligently searching
and seeking after Jesus. They never gave up. And just like
the young Mary and Joseph, even after we find Him, we don't
always understand what a treasure we found! At the age of 12, Jesus was already telling them that they did
not have to look for Him...and neither do we. Actually it's the
other way around. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and
listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will
come in to him and will eat with him, and he (will eat) with
Me." Rev. 3:20 (Amplified) As long as we are willing to listen and answer Him, He will
come to us. He makes Himself availble to anyone and
everyone who desires His presence. He promises to be
right there. It's not a game of hide and seek on His part. He
never was hiding from His parents, they just lost sight of
Him. Many times we make things alot harder on ourselves than
necessary. God has made finding Him so easily
accessable for all who wish to find Him. Even John the Baptist, who knew before hand that Jesus
was the Messiah Who was to come still doubted even after
He did show up. In fact John sent two of his disciples to go
to Jesus and ask if He was indeed the One. They weren't
even sure or if they should continue to look. (Lk. 7:20) Doubt is a very dangerous roadblock. It will blind us
everytime to the truth that is staring us right in the face.
Doubt cost John his very life in the end. Jesus' parents who finally found their Son, noticed that He
was doing His Father's business and nothing changed
years later when the disciples found Him. He was still doing
His Father's business. Jesus was then and still is today in
the business of healing and spreading the "Good News" of
the gospel. It's the best news for anyone who has the ears
to hear it. "And blessed (happy-with life, joy and satisfaction in God's
favor and salvation, apart from outward conditions-and be
envied is he who takes no offense in Me and who is not hurt
or resentful or annoyed or repelled or made to stumble
(whatever may occur)." Lk. 7:23 (Amplified) We, who have salvation through the Lamb of God will have
that peace, joy and satisfaction in our lives no matter what
the circumstances may be. It's because of Mary's little Lamb
that we have the promise of everlasting life through the Lion
of Judah! (Rev. 5:5) As humble and quiet as Jesus came to us, He is just as
sure to return with wrath and fury to put an end to all
suffering of mankind once and for all. I don't know about you,
but I'm happy that Mary's little Lamb left her side to go about
His Father's business, which was to save a wretch like me. Unless we see the cross overshadowing the cradle, we
have lost the real meaning of Christ's birth.
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