Proverbs 6:20. My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
The Bible tells a story of Jesus at twelve years old visiting Jerusalem with his parents for one of the Passover feasts. On the journey home Mary and Joseph realize they have forgotten Jesus back in Jerusalem, and naturally, they become very worried. Eventually, they find the boy Jesus in the temple debating with the religious leaders (sort of like finding a twelve-year-old teaching in a college). Here’s how Luke describes it:
Luke 2:48-49. 48And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
Jesus would then go home and begin to learn Joseph’s work in Joseph’s house, but he also had to learn God’s work in God’s house. So do you and I. When you were a child, you were probably asked WHAT do you want to be when you grow up? Well the more important question is WHO do you want to be as you grow up? Do you want to be God’s child who does what God does – love, serve, forgive, care, share, and tell others about the good news?
Jesus didn’t just do the Father’s work in the Jerusalem Temple. He was the living temple, taking the Father’s work with him wherever he went.
John 6:38. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
When Jesus came to Earth he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus helped the sick and the poor he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus prayed he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus taught others about the Kingdom of God he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus refused to become defensive or self-seeking he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus turned the other cheek he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus trusted God’s love for him he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus forgave his enemies he was doing what the Father wanted.
When Jesus sacrificed his life for others he was doing what the Father wanted.
Now that you’re a child of God do you do what the Father wants? Or do you mainly just do what YOU want?
The Jesus in you still wants to do only what the Father tells him. Can you let him – yes, you can. Will you let him? Time will tell. But know this, that’s what your faith in Christ is producing in you, a sonship that keeps the Father’s commandments, does the Father’s business as his house, and does the will of the Father, and not your own will.
You: In general, are you doing what the Father wants or what you want?
You in Christ: How does knowing that Jesus has fully obeyed the Father allow you to obey him too?
Christ in you: Is there anything specific that God is asking you to do that you need to obey?
Pray: Jesus, you did everything God wanted. Keep doing that through me today. Amen.
To Live is Christ 