THE BUSINESS MODEL THAT SUCCEEDS

His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.  And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.  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; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.  So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.  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.  And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.  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.”  And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”  But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.  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.  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.  (Luke 2:41-42)

 

Some businesses fail—a lot of them do.  You go into business to succeed—so you need a successful business model.

 

The greatest business is God’s business, and Jesus is the perfect model!  Already at the age of twelve, He knew what His business was and knew how to do it.

 

Jesus was in the house of God.  In fact, some translations render verse 49, “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (ESV)   He knew worship was His business.  Our lives must be properly oriented to God if we are to be what He wants us to be.  Our duty to go to the House of God should be a delight.  It was for Jesus.  On Sunday mornings if someone were looking for you, where would they look?  They ought to go first to the church building.

 

Jesus was speaking of His relationship to God.   It was His Father’s house and His Father’s business.  He knew that witnessing was His business.  His lips were giving a testimony of His relationship with His Father.  Are people surprised when they find out we are Christians?  They should not be.  God has done so much for us that we ought to speak of Him daily!

 

Jesus was focused on His service for God.  He knew that work was His business.  He wasn’t a parasite draining resources but a producer distributing them.  His inspiration moved Him to perspiration.  He did not work to become a Son, but worked for His Father because He was a Son—even if it meant submitting to the toil of Joseph’s carpenter shop.  You don’t earn your salvation by your effort, but as God’s children we ought to be moved to exertion in the Father’s business.  We can claim all we want about our faith, but our conduct displays the reality of it.  Are you a slacker or a servant?  The Boss is watching!

 

Jesus demonstrates the successful business model.