Day 22: Assumptions

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.”

Luke 2:48

It’s an unforgettable story isn’t it? It’s funny how often I’ve reread various passages of scripture and had my “Oh yeah, I forgot about that one!” moments. But never with this account. We all remember the boy Jesus, missing in Jerusalem. 

What does it say about us, that the most memorable of stories is one centered on Joseph and Mary fraught with anxiety? It’s just so relatable. Perfect Jesus, imperfect parents. In contrast to the previous passage which paints a picture more difficult for us to grasp, a perfect child, this one retells a scene closer to our reality.  We can relate to the worry of Mary and Joseph, they did after all, lose the Savior of the world while yet a child. There’s no sin in the story, it’s just a matter of crossed-up communications and assumptions. For three days they lost the Messiah, perhaps five if the travel days are included in the tally. 

I remember losing one of our own young children on a family vacation for just about 5 minutes, and the anxiety was terrifying. 5 days is another level of worry altogether. Imagine Joseph and Mary, necessarily taking respite in lodging to sleep amidst their searching! Imagine Jesus, where he must, finds hospitality for his own! 

How often do I go on my own merry way, find myself in disquieted straits and then chide my Savior, “Jesus, where were you?” There is a danger in the assumptions. There is a subtle warning to be heeded here. The life we live is one of rhythms and rituals yes, but Jesus cannot be made to pound out the tune we expect of Him. There is always a present moment, an obedience, a mindfulness of Jesus, walking in the Spirit, here, now. May we be careful we haven’t marched ahead in our assumptions, lest we seek Him daily while we yet leave Him behind and needs retrace already worn paths!