Every year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn't miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn't show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn't find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn't know what to think. "Son," his mother said to him, "why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere." "But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they didn't understand what he meant. Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And his mother stored all these things in her heart. Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people. Luke 2:41-52
Meditate
on searching for loved ones.
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| Model of the Temple - Jerusalem, Israel. The sun would light up the golden trim. Jesus met the great Temple teachers here. |
“Mother,
we are almost to Jerusalem! Only another hour of walking. Will there be room
for us at the Inn?”
My Mother laughed and sighed. “Yes, Jesus. We can see
the great city now, and it won’t be long until we arrive at the Inn—where we do
have reservations. There will be a room just for us beside the rest of our
family and friends from Nazareth. There will be many people in Jerusalem for
Passover, but we planned ahead.”
I was excited knowing that I would be spending my time
with the religious teachers at the Temple. I had so many questions to ask them.
When I sat in the Temple, I heard them read the scriptures, debate the meanings,
and discuss different points of view. It was so wonderful. The teachers
actually listened to me as I gave my interpretations, thoughts, and views. I
was in my Father’s House, hearing His words, and learning from the greatest
teachers in Jerusalem—well, actually all of Israel, since people had come to
Jerusalem from all over the region to celebrate the Passover.
I lost track of days and time. It was almost like
being in Heaven studying God’s word. One day, I looked up when I heard my name
being called. Oh! It was my Mother and Joseph. They were overjoyed at finding
me. Where else would I be? I was in my Father’s House—the Temple in Jerusalem.
But I should have been on the road back to Nazareth with them. I bid all the magnificent
teachers “Good-bye” and departed immediately with my family for our home.
Although I was leaving behind my Father’s House, I knew that I would be back
for the next Jewish festival, Shavout, after the harvest time in the fall. I
would have more questions then for those great Jewish teachers—but I would
study, gain more wisdom, and I would be obedient, kind, friendly, and helpful.
I wanted to please my Heavenly Father, as well as my family here on earth. I
lived to bring glory to my Heavenly Father.
Prayer
– Lord Jesus, I imagine what it was like for You to visit Jerusalem as a young
man—to study with the great teachers there at the Temple. But I can see and
understand that pleasing Your Heavenly father was the most important thing in Your
life. Help me to have the focus and love that is necessary for me to have that
same ambition in my life—to want to please our Heavenly Father in all that I
think, say, and do. Thank You, Jesus, for Your obedient example and for all
that You have done for me, and for all people.
Verse
of Salvation ~ For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to
all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful
pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and
devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the
glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his
life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very
own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:11-14
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
It is
always baking time with my granddaughters. Yesterday, they made Banana Bread
using a recipe that was well-stained from a cookbook that I’ve been treasuring for
over 50 years.
Banana
Bread
2½ cups
flour (we used whole wheat)
1 cup cane
sugar
1 tsp
salt
3½ tsp
baking powder
3 Tbsp
avocado oil
¾ cup oat
milk
1 egg
3 ripe
bananas, mashed (~ 1cup)
1 cup
finely chopped walnuts – optional
Pre-heat
the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8½ x 4 inch pans or one 9x5 inch
pan. Mix all ingredients for just a minute, until thoroughly mixed. Pour batter
into pan(s). Bake 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the
center comes out clean. Remove from pan and cool before slicing. The smell is
terrific. Enjoy the smell and the taste!
Happy Heavenly Birthday, Lori! You made it!
Blessings on your family.
© 2026 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All
rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless
otherwise noted.
New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation.
Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.
Books by Mickey M.
Hunacek
Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com
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