41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day's journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously."
49 And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" 50 But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
In response to Mary’s question in verse 48, Jesus made a sharp distinction between them and God, His true Father. Jesus knew why He came and His parents should have as well. Verse 50 makes it clear that they did not. Verse 51 tells us that Mary “kept” all these things in her heart. The Amplified version uses the word treasured instead of kept. Mary hid the words of her Son, Jesus, in her heart…she treasured them and pondered them even though she did not understand their meaning at the time.
Beloved…my heart is full this morning. There was so much from Scripture that I read this morning that I wanted to share. I settled on these words from Luke because in them is life…in them is how we grow in wisdom, favor and stature with God and with men. Just as Jesus quoted Scripture when Satan tempted Him, we too, can use it in the temptations that we face. Earthly food provides only for our physical need. The word of God nourishes and nurtures our spiritual needs in a way that benefits us eternally.
Father…May Your word find its home in our hearts. The entrance of Your word gives light. It gives understanding to the simple. By Your precious Holy Spirit may we do as Mary did. May Your word to us be our treasure. Help us by Your Spirit of Grace to daily hide it in our hearts. May we hold fast to Your promises by pondering them and meditating on them daily. May Your word convict, cleanse and sanctify us. May it keep us abiding in Your love and Your truth.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.—Psalm 19:7-14
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.—Romans 12:2
