Tag Archives: Religion

True Religion – Our Business

True Religion – Our Business
By
Thomas Watson

“Don’t you know that I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49

These are the words of our Lord Jesus, whose lips dropped as a honeycomb. The occasion was this, Christ, having the Spirit of wisdom and sanctity poured out upon Him without measure, being but 12 years old, went to the temple and fell to disputing with the religious teachers, verse 46. Where should learning blossom, but upon that tree which bore several sorts of fruit? Who could better interpret secrets—than He who lay in His Father’s bosom, Colossians 2:9? According to Luke 2:47, “All who heard Him were astonished at His understanding.” Well might they admire—that He who had never been at the university should be able to silence the great religious teachers. John 7:15, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?”

While they were wondering, his mother, who now was come to seek Him, propounded this question, “Son, why have You thus dealt with us?” Luke 2:48. That is, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” In the words of the text, Christ made a rational and pious reply, “Didn’t you know I had to be about My Father’s business?” In the Greek it is “in the things of My Father.” It is as if Christ had said, “I must be doing the work which My Father in heaven has set Me about; for this I received My mission and unction, that I might do the will of Him who sent Me.” What am I in the world for but to promote His glory, propagate His truth, and be as a magnet to draw souls to heaven? “Didn’t you know I had to be about My Father’s business?” Continue reading