We Are His Joy
One of the struggles of Christmas is choosing the right gift for someone. Knowing your wife’s tastes sure helps but sometimes you’ll still get it wrong. This goes beyond Christmas presents too. It’s what happens when you think you’re doing the right thing, buying that fancy present, and realizing it wasn’t good enough. You don’t get the outcome you think your efforts deserve.
We can even do this to ourselves when we say to ourselves I just need to get this for myself then I’ll be happy. This is the gift that will make me happy. More often than not, what we find is that it doesn’t. Jewellery that isn’t as in her taste as you thought, a career that isn’t as satisfying as you wanted, a marriage that isn’t as rewarding as you expected. A church that isn’t as warm as you would like and a God that doesn’t bring you the joy you assumed it would.
“What can you point to in your life right now that is a visible, tangible, and real reason for joy? Do you have one?”
You go to church, you tithe, you do all the things a good Christian is supposed to do and what do you get in return? How many of us here today can raise their hands and say they have more joy after becoming a Christian? Many of you I’m sure because that’s technically the correct answer. But what exactly is that joy? What can you point to in your life right now that is a visible, tangible, and real reason for joy? Do you have one?
When the angels appeared at the first Christmas they announced,
Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Good news of great joy. And off they went to see this great joy, but instead of a private room of a private hospital, it’s a baby born in a manger. Instead of having doctors and nurses around, it’s cows and sheep. How is that supposed to be joy? Why do you think the people who were there wondered at the message the shepherds brought? In her heart what would Mary be thinking? What mother would want this for their child? To be born in a stable? There are hippy parents but even this is over the line.
But it is joy. It’s there and I think it will surprise you. It’ll change not just the way you think about joy and God, but the way you think about yourself. That’s what I want to show you today in our passage. Our first point:
Jesus leaves his parents to stay in his Father’s house
41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.
First of all, the Feast of the Passover is a Jewish holiday meant to remind Israel of their escape from Egypt. You can read about it in the beginning part of the Bible. It’s a 7 day affair where people would travel to Jerusalem and the population will swell to several times its normal size. Just like people today travel home to be with family at Christmas. So every year, once a year, Mary and Joseph will walk 3-4 days from where they lived to Jerusalem, spend a week going to the temple and observing various rituals and ceremonies, then 3-4 days back. Can you imagine that? Thinking about a 5 hour plane ride back home with my kids already gives me anxiety. Imagine 3-4 days. And they do that every year, which tells us Mary and Joseph are seriously committed to their faith. They are very religious.
42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
I’ve often been puzzled by this. How can you not notice that your child is missing? Do you find it strange as well? But there’s a few things to remember. First of all, they travelled in a big group. It wasn’t just Joseph, Mary, and the kids. It was Joseph and all the men in their extended family and friends. Then the women of all the families. And because nobody had iPads back then, all the kids will be together at the back entertaining each other. Don’t forget Jesus had lots of brothers and sisters too. It would be a completely normal thing for Joseph to assume as they were walking that Jesus is at the back of the group. But at the same time, Jesus is 12, and which 12-year-old wants to hang with a bunch of younger kids? It’s reasonable for Mary to assume Jesus is at the front with the men. All that means is that no one realised Jesus had stayed behind.
I’m glad to be part of a generation that grew up in the 90s. There are two things you can count on every year at Christmas. Mariah Carey on the radio, and Home Alone on TV. It’s truly a classic movie about a boy left home alone by accident. You guys remember that? This is nothing like that. Jesus didn’t get left behind. He isn’t lost. His parents didn’t accidentally forget about him. Jesus wanted to stay behind. He did it on purpose. Which forces us to ask the question: why?!? Not only that, why now? Why this year? Remember they made the trip every year and for the first 11 years, everything was normal. So it’s not like this was his first time.
So why now? The passage tells us specifically that Jesus was 12 years old at that time. I don’t think that’s an incidental detail. Bible scholars and commentators, basically people smarter than me, point out the significance of a boy turning 13. It is said in that society back then you become a man at 13. You’re considered an adult.
That’s the year you start to bear responsibility, in the family and in society. You’ll learn a trade from your father, in Jesus’ case, to become a carpentry apprentice under his dad, or some other way but you have to start contributing to the family finances. I know some of you who are parents of teenagers are probably thinking huh, maybe I should get my high school kids to start paying rent. So this particular year is especially important for Jesus being 12 years old. It’s his last year as a child.
“We have to keep that in mind as we read the passage. Jesus’ place is by his father’s side.”
Picture Joseph taking Jesus aside as they go to the markets, visit the temple, explaining things in more detail, what the temple is, what sacrifices mean. It’s critical that Jesus stays by his father’s side this year. We have to keep that in mind as we read the passage. Jesus’ place is by his father’s side. Which makes what Jesus does so confusing. Why did Jesus chose to stay behind? It’s such a seemingly irresponsible thing to do.
Look at verse 46.
46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
See what I mean? This is not like the home alone movies. Jesus isn’t lost. He hasn’t been taken by someone. He also isn’t being rebellious and goofing off somewhere. Jesus is there sitting among the teachers, listening and asking them questions. He’s sitting! If you know anything about synagogue practices you would know the significance of that. When someone teaches, they sit down to teach. What 12 year old does that? And if you look closely at v.47, All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. He’s not there searching for answers. He’s there giving them answers. Even at 12 years old. Isn’t that amazing?
48 And 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.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
You have to feel for Mary here. It’s a feeling I think you don’t even need to be a parent to relate to. This reminds me of the recent case here in WA of the little girl who vanished from her tent while camping with her mum. Didn’t you feel like the whole of WA collectively was experiencing just a tiny fraction of what it’s like? The panic at first. When the adrenaline wears out, the fear. So imagine the shock and confusion when at last they find Jesus in the temple just sitting there talking to the teachers like it’s the most normal thing in the world. Like you haven’t been anxiously searching in panic. So his parents are understandably upset. Don’t you know what we’ve been through? Don’t you care?
I think that’s the astonishing part. The people in the temple were amazed that a 12 year old had that level of intellect and maturity to engage with them. But his parents likely already knew that. What’s shocking is the way he went about it. He must have known how distraught they would be. He’s not young or clueless. He knew what he is putting them through, he just doesn’t seem bothered by it. What’s worse is when they find him, Jesus rebukes them. Why were you looking for me? That’s a rebuke.
You don’t have to be a Christian to know that’s not the way you treat your parents. It is so careless and irresponsible. What’s going on? Remember when I said to keep in mind that Jesus’ place is by his father’s side? Now notice the emphasis on his parents in this passage, particularly what Mary says when they find him. She says behold your father and I. That’s what she leads with. Son, your father and I.
Not only that, Joseph is seemingly missing in this passage. Did you notice that? We’re not told what he says or thinks. It’s almost like he’s not in the picture at all. Is he just the quiet type? No. He’s been left out for a reason. The passage is pushing us to consider the identity of the father. When Mary says, your father and I have been looking for you, Jesus responds I am with my father. Right here in the temple. Do you see?
But there’s more. Jesus says don’t you know that I must be in my father’s house? I must be. This is more than just Jesus telling us that his real father is God. If that’s what you got from the passage you’ve only got half the story. This is Jesus telling us there is something he must do. I must do this. I have to do this. It’s part of the plan. Of course Jesus knew the fear, the anxiety, and the torment in Mary’s heart. But he must do this.
“This is more than just Jesus telling us that his real father is God. If that’s what you got from the passage you’ve only got half the story. ”
There is a lesson in here for us. But it is a difficult lesson to learn and a tricky one to explain. It’s when we question God. What do I mean? You don’t have to be a Christian for very long to realise that life doesn’t become simpler or pain-free now that you’re a Christian. Sickness, injustice, broken relationships, they are a part of our lives as much as anyone else. Suffering is not a question of if, but when. We know that and yet when we suffer what is our instinctive response? Why? Why God? Why is this happening? Why have you treated us so? Behold, I’m a good person, I don’t steal or cheat anyone. I go to church and I give my time and money. Don’t you know I’ve been searching for you in great distress?
Isn’t that our normal response? And Jesus rebukes Mary. Like I said, this is a difficult lesson to learn. The lesson is, God does not owe us anything. He is not obligated to tell us everything we want to know. He says to Mary did you not know that I must be in my father’s house? You shouldn’t have been looking for me. You should have known that I must do this. I have to do this. I have a plan. You might not like it very much now but that’s because you can’t see what I can. You don’t know what I know. Trust me.
It's like taking a 4 year old to get his vaccinations and he refuses because it’s painful and he doesn’t think he needs it because he’s not sick. I don’t understand it, I don’t see the need for it, I don’t want it. What would you say? Listen, even if I explain to you every detail of the biochemistry of vaccines and the physiology of viruses, you still won’t get it. You’re 4. I’m your dad, trust me. Now, the distance between you and a 4 year old is nothing compared to the distance between us and God. Don’t you see what we’re actually doing when we question the suffering that God allows to come into our lives and God doesn’t tell us why? He wants us to trust him.
But that’s easier said than done right? Which is why we get verse 50.
50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.
Isn’t that true for us as well? How many times in your life have you gone to God in prayer about something and found at the end you still don’t understand? You don’t understand why this is happening. God often doesn’t tell us what we want to know and it’s so hard in these situations to continue praying. Is it really going to help? Feels like a one-sided relationship to me. I’m not sure this is what I signed up for when I became a Christian. I’m not sure this is the kind of Christianity I believe in.
So where’s the good news? I thought today was about joy. Our second point.
Jesus leaves his Father’s house to be with us
Joy is right there in the passage if you can see it. It’s v.51.
51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
There is such a juxtaposition between v.50 and 51. It’s a such a stark contrast where Jesus rebukes Mary and says I am where I’m supposed to be, I don’t need to follow you. Yet in the very next verse we are told he went with them and was submissive to them. Think about it. What is this a picture of? What is Jesus doing?
He left his father’s house and went to the home where Mary lived. He came down from heaven where his father was to earth where we are, born as a baby in a manger. He left Jerusalem back to Nazareth and was submissive to his parents. Years later, he would come back to Jerusalem to the very same Feast of the Passover and submit himself to be taken, condemned, and crucified. After he rose from the dead he appeared to his disciples in chapter 24 telling them this was all because scripture must be fulfilled.
This is the plan. This has been God’s plan from the beginning. Don’t you see what is going on here? This whole time, Mary thought she had lost Jesus and was anxiously searching for him but in reality God is the one who is looking for her. For 3 days Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus. Do you know how long God has been searching for us? He chose us in him before the foundation of the world. That is what is meant when Jesus says I must be in my father’s house. I must do this. It’s part of the plan from the beginning.
It’s become a cliché the saying that God has a plan. But something only becomes a cliché because it’s true. In our suffering if someone says God has a plan, it’s easy to go well good for him. It’s hard to hold on to joy when everything else is falling apart. What this passage does for us today is show us when we are caught up in distress, God isn’t. Mary was in great distress but Jesus wasn’t. Because God has a plan, I must be in my Father’s house. I think there’s comfort in that.
Every 4 year old is going to cry when they get their vaccinations. It will hurt whether they’re Christian or not. Being a Christian doesn’t mean it won’t be painful when you get stabbed. It means that we have our father there beside us telling us, its ok. Trust me. What is ironic is that in our passage the roles are reversed. Mary is in great distress and Jesus says, it’s ok mum, I know what I’m doing. Mary didn’t understand but she understood enough to be able to trust Jesus. How much more reason do we need to trust God knowing what we know?
We are his joy
Look at our two points. Jesus leaves his parents to be in his Father’s house. Jesus leaves his Father’s house to be with us. Up to this point, I haven’t actually said what joy is. What is joy? And more importantly, what’s so special about the joy found here? I know lots of people who aren’t Christian and they look like they’re having the time of their lives. You know what will give me joy? Finding a girlfriend or boyfriend so I don’t have to be alone again this Christmas. Winning the powerball, now wouldn’t that be an awesome Christmas present. Never have to worry about money again. A better job, falling pregnant, buying a house, let’s not deny those things do bring us joy. It’s not a case of us choosing these things vs. choosing God. So what is it? Have a look at this verse from Hebrews 12.
Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
For the joy set before him. What joy? Jesus had everything before the world was even created. In eternity, the triune God in Himself already had perfect joy. So what is this joy? What’s missing? Answer: you. Me. People for whom God has set his love. We are his joy. Jesus left the temple to go back to Nazareth for Mary. God came down from heaven born as a baby for us! Jesus told us this when he said
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
I said at the start it’s not the gift but the giver that makes the difference. That little scrap paper drawing is precious to charis not because it’s beautiful, but because our daughter drew it. Being a Christian is not about what we do for God. God does not need our service or sacrifice. It’s about who we are to God. If you are a Christian here this morning, you are God’s joy. Don’t you realise what that means?
Joy is more than just feelings or circumstances. Joy is not a thing outside of us you have to find. It’s also not an emotion within us that comes out under certain conditions. Joy is who we are in Christ. Joy is the reason Jesus endured the cross. It’s the reason he left Nazareth to be with Mary. It’s the reason why we even have Christmas. God coming down from heaven for us. He left his fathers house for us. This is the joy that no one can take away from you.
Treasure Christ in your heart
So as we close, let’s think about how we respond. It’s there in the text and we’ve read it twice actually. Verse 19 and verse 51.
19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.
51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.
We don’t need to win the lottery to have joy. You don’t need a partner in life to make you happy. This Christmas, cast your eyes on Jesus Christ. Consider what he’s done for you and realise who you are to him and what you mean to God. You want to have something concrete you can point to? Look in the mirror. Treasure up all these things in your heart and you will have joy.