A boy, about four, was having a ball running around in a large circle. The parents and older brother were looking for him on the path which approached the Great Sand Dunes National Monument in southern Colorado. The sand dunes are huge and cover a large area. It would be almost impossible to find anyone who was lost, especially a pre-schooler. When his parents found him after about 10-15 minutes, his comment to them was, “I”™m not lost. I know right where I am.” He had no understanding of their concerns for his safety.

Joseph and Mary must have had fear, inner turmoil and real concern for the safety for twelve year old Jesus, Who was missing from the caravan going home to Nazareth.

(NASB) Luke 2:43-47 “and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day”™s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances.”

45When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46 Then, 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 amazed at His understanding and his answers.”

What a joyous relief it must have been to see Jesus, safe, it had been three days since they had last seen Him.

The teachers and all who were there listening to Jesus were amazed by His understanding.

(NASB) Luke 2:48 “When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “˜Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.”™”

Jesus”™ parents were astonished and like all parents, Mary had something to say to her Son. Hers was a normal reaction at finding Jesus unharmed and His apparent unconcern about the time He had been separated from His parents.

(NASB) Luke 2:49 “And He said to them, “˜Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father”™s house?”™”

Jesus was surprised at His parents. He knew who His Father was, and how He must have longed to be in His Father”™s house!

These various reactions: The teachers”™ amazement at Jesus understanding and His answers. Joseph and Mary”™s astonishment at finding Jesus among the elite group in the temple.

Jesus”™ surprise that His parents were looking for Him everywhere.

What amazes you about God”™s words?

What astonishment have you experienced by where Jesus meets you?

What has surprised you lately about worship?