Sermon Recap+ Jul 6, 2026

When Jesus was 12 years old, his parents lost track of him for three days during their journey home from Jerusalem. This story from Luke 2:46-52 offers profound insights about seeking Jesus, recognizing wisdom, and practicing humility in our own lives.

What Should We Do When We Can't Find Jesus?

The story begins with Mary and Joseph traveling home from Jerusalem after the Passover festival, only to discound him in the temple, sitting among the teachers.

When Mary and Joseph couldn't find Jesus, they responded with love and urgency. Yes, Mary mentions her anxiety in verse 48: "Your father and I have been searching for you with great anxiety." But beyond the anxiety was deep love and urgent concern. They tracked their steps back to where they believed Jesus would be—the temple.

This mirrors a personal experience of helping a neighbor find her three-year-old son who had wandered away. In that moment, I saw not just anxiety but love and urgency in the mother's eyes. She was missing the best part of her life and was eagerly, lovingly searching for her child.

How Do We Recognize True Wisdom?

In the temple, Jesus was "sitting among the teachers, listening to them, asking them questions, and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers" (Luke 2:46-47).

The teachers' reaction to Jesus teaches us about wisdom. These teachers welcomed wisdom from an unexpected source—a 12-year-old boy. They recognized something special in Jesus, caring for him during those three days, likely providing food and shelter.

True wisdom isn't solely gained through study or age—it's somewhere in the middle.

Proverbs 3 gives us insight into wisdom:

"My child, do not forget my teachings... let your heart keep my commandments" (v.1)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart... do not rely on your own understanding" (v.5)

"Do not be wise in your own eyes, but fear the Lord and turn away from evil" (v.7)

Wisdom comes from understanding God's ways and writing His commandments on our hearts. The teachers demonstrated wisdom by welcoming insight regardless of its source.

What Can Jesus' Response Teach Us About Humility?

When Mary questioned Jesus about why he had treated them this way, his response was surprising: "Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49)

Jesus had the right answer—he should be in God's house—but his parents didn't understand. What's remarkable is what Jesus did next: "Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them" (Luke 2:51).

This teaches us that sometimes having the right answer isn't helpful. You might know exactly what needs to happen, but that knowledge alone solves nothing. Jesus demonstrated that even when you have the right answer, you still need to show humility and honor your parents.

Jesus submitted to his parents' authority all the way into adulthood. The next time we see Jesus in Scripture is at the wedding in Cana, where he again honors his mother's request to turn water into wine.

How Should Christians Respond When They Lose Sight of Jesus?

When we lose sight of Jesus or live in moments of confusion, here's what we can do:

1. Don't panic and don't seek immediate clarity

2. Backtrack your steps to places of holiness where you've encountered Jesus before

3. Look for Jesus with love and urgency

4. Gather with other faithful people and seek their counsel

5. Welcome wisdom from unexpected places

6. Be patient as God unfolds His grace in your life

7. Trust the commandments God has written on your heart

Christianity isn't about getting everything right. It's about taking what we have prepared and offering it to give glory to God.

Life Application

This week, consider where you might have lost sight of Jesus in your life. Instead of panicking or trying to force immediate clarity, backtrack your steps with love and urgency. Where did you last experience God's presence clearly? Return to that place—whether it's a physical location, a spiritual practice, or a community of believers.

Ask yourself:

1. What spiritual practices or communities have helped me connect with Jesus in the past?

2. Am I welcoming wisdom from unexpected sources, or am I limiting where I believe God can speak?

3. Where might I need to practice humility, even when I believe I have the right answer?

4. How can I seek Jesus with both love and urgency this week?

Remember, if you have lost sight of Jesus, backtrack your steps with love and urgency. Seek Him by welcoming wisdom from all places, not seeking the right answer but seeking the company of believers. Trust that God's unfolding grace and providence are still real today and forevermore.