Luke 2:49
Verse
Context
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
48When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.” 49“Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house ?”50But they did not understand the statement He was making to them.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
How is it that ye sought me? - Is not this intended as a gentle reproof? Why had ye me to seek? Ye should not have left my company, when ye knew I am constantly employed in performing the will of the Most High. My Father's business? - Εν τοις του πατρος μου, My Father's concerns. Some think that these words should be translated, In my Father's house; which was a reason that they should have sought him in the temple only. As if he had said, Where should a child be found, but in his father's house? This translation is defended by Grotius, Pearce, and others; and is the reading of the Syriac, later Persic, and Armenian versions. Our Lord took this opportunity to instruct Joseph and Mary concerning his Divine nature and mission. My Father's concerns. This saying, one would think, could not have been easily misunderstood. It shows at once that he came down from heaven. Joseph had no concerns in the temple; and yet we find they did not fully comprehend it. How slow of heart is man to credit any thing that comes from God!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
about my Father's business--literally, "in" or "at My Fathers," that is, either "about My Father's affairs," or "in My Father's courts"--where He dwells and is to be found--about His hand, so to speak. This latter shade of meaning, which includes the former, is perhaps the true one, Here He felt Himself at home, breathing His own proper air. His words convey a gentle rebuke of their obtuseness in requiring Him to explain this. "Once here, thought ye I should so readily hasten away? Let ordinary worshippers be content to keep the feast and be gone; but is this all ye have learnt of Me?" Methinks we are here let into the holy privacies of Nazareth; for what He says they should have known, He must have given them ground to know. She tells Him of the sorrow with which His father and she had sought Him. He speaks of no Father but one, saying, in effect, My Father has not been seeking Me; I have been with Him all this time; "the King hath brought me into His chambers . . . His left hand is under my head, and His right hand doth embrace me" (Sol 1:4; Sol 2:6). How is it that ye do not understand? (Mar 8:21).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they understood not the saying,.... What he meant by his Father's house, or his Father's business, and the necessity of his being there, and about that: which he spake unto them; at that time, and as above related.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:49 Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house? Jesus was aware that his greatest loyalty belonged to his Father in heaven.
Luke 2:49
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
48When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. “Child, why have You done this to us?” His mother asked. “Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.” 49“Why were you looking for Me?” He asked. “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house ?”50But they did not understand the statement He was making to them.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Preachers in the Last Days
By Keith Daniel2.1K1:25:37Last DaysPRO 15:28LUK 2:49JHN 4:342TI 2:152TI 4:21PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of uncompromising preaching and safe spiritual fellowship for Christians worldwide. He highlights the need for a group of people who will urgently herald the coming of the Lord and wake up a slumbering church in these last days. The preacher refers to the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate the spiritual state of the true church, which he believes is a result of widespread erroneous preaching. He quotes Amos 8:11-13 to further emphasize the scarcity of hearing the words of the Lord and the resulting thirst among believers.
Crisis-02 Crisis of Consistency
By Stephen Olford1.9K51:29LUK 2:49JHN 4:34GAL 5:23JAS 4:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the crisis of consistency in the lives of believers. He begins by referencing James 4:13-17, where James warns against making plans without acknowledging God's will. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a belief that behaves, meaning that faith should be accompanied by actions. He also highlights the dangers of worldliness and the need to resist conforming to the ways of the world. The sermon concludes with a reminder that failing to do good when we know we should is considered sin.
(John) Christ's Confessed Deity
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:01:57Christ's DeityMAT 27:46LUK 2:49JHN 1:1JHN 10:281CO 1:21CO 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God manifesting in flesh. He refers to the verse "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God" and explains that Christ is contesting his deity by stating that he and the Father are one in purpose and power. The preacher also mentions that God manifests in flesh can die, as seen in the crucifixion of Jesus. He emphasizes the sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Savior of all who believe. The sermon includes references to biblical verses such as John 10:28 and 1 Corinthians 2:8.
The Miraculous Conception
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K51:37ConceptionMAT 6:33LUK 1:26LUK 1:38LUK 2:43LUK 2:49JHN 3:3JHN 3:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and its implications for humanity. The birth of Jesus by divine intervention through Mary demonstrates the natural depravity of man and the need for a sinless substitute for redemption. It also establishes a precedent for spiritual regeneration and demonstrates the principle of imparted life. The preacher emphasizes the moral responsibility of believers to align their actions and decisions with the purpose for which Jesus Christ lives in them.
Hosanna (Compilation)
By Compilations1.2K11:33CompilationNEH 1:3LUK 2:49LUK 19:37JHN 2:16ACT 20:28ACT 20:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual desperation and the need for believers to be vigilant in protecting the church from false teachings. He warns that after his departure, there will be vicious wolves who will try to lead the disciples astray. The speaker also highlights the significance of the cross and the thirst for God, stating that desperation is a hunger that consumes and dominates. He concludes by referencing the story of Nehemiah, who wept and fasted in prayer for the broken walls of Jerusalem, emphasizing the need for repentance and seeking God's forgiveness.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 135
By Don Courville1.0K29:54Marriage and DivorcePSA 27:14PSA 37:7ISA 30:18ISA 40:31LAM 3:25LUK 2:49JHN 11:20In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of encountering homeless individuals and seeking guidance from Jesus on how to help them. He emphasizes the importance of relying on God's wisdom in difficult situations. The preacher also reflects on his journey in ministry, highlighting the challenges and spiritual warfare he has faced, particularly with electronic equipment breaking down. He concludes by reminding the audience of the need to rely on the Holy Spirit and patiently wait on God, using the story of Lazarus as an example.
The Marks of Reprobation
By Rolfe Barnard88951:14JER 6:30LUK 2:49JHN 19:182CO 13:5EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a reprobate nation, using the example of America. He believes that America is already in hell because of the moral decay and violence that is prevalent in society. The preacher emphasizes the importance of being steeped in the Bible to understand the current generation's spiritual state. He also talks about the three directions in which God's grace is extended: redeeming grace for the saved, common grace for those who have not yet been saved, and sufficient grace and mercy for all mankind. The sermon warns of the impending judgment and the need for God's redeeming grace to save individuals.
(Luke) 09 - Results of His Coming
By Ed Miller83056:34MAT 6:33LUK 2:49HEB 10:5In this sermon, the preacher introduces the unique perspective of the Gospel of Luke, which presents Jesus as the son of all mankind. The preacher emphasizes that every lesson in this series stands on its own, but there is a connection and building from lesson to lesson. The sermon then focuses on a specific story from the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus is found in the temple at the age of 12. The preacher compares this story to the love story depicted in the Song of Solomon, highlighting the bride's intimidation by the greatness of her groom.
Marriage Series #2 - Joseph & Mary
By Don McClure80458:55MAT 1:18LUK 1:26LUK 2:49In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the challenges and confusion that believers may face when following God's path. He shares a story of a young man who had a successful career in the Air Force but chose to follow Christ and give his life to Him. The speaker also mentions the conversation between Mary and Joseph when Mary revealed her miraculous pregnancy. The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God's plan and the assurance that He will take care of His followers.
Many Voices in the World
By Hattie Hammond7132:04:11WorldMAT 6:33LUK 2:49ROM 12:112TI 4:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the voice of the world and how it tries to appeal to us through various legitimate things in our lives. The voice of the world is cleverly directed by the enemy, who is the antagonist of God. The preacher mentions four forms or patterns in which the voice of the world may manifest itself. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the sin question, the limitations of our flesh, and our dependence on the Holy Spirit in order to navigate through the period of predation and receive illumination.
I Must Be About My Father's Business
By Joshua Daniel57714:30Will Of GodGEN 18:25ISA 61:1MAT 6:33LUK 2:49JHN 14:6ACT 4:12HEB 9:27In this sermon, Joshua Daniel challenges listeners to find someone equal to Jesus in their literature or scriptures. He emphasizes that belief in Jesus is not just intellectual, but requires a personal relationship with Him. Daniel highlights the importance of living a life that reflects one's faith, rather than just professing belief. He urges listeners to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly pursuits and not let the Father's business go neglected.
Extravagant Love
By Glenn Meldrum57755:54LoveMAT 6:33MAT 9:36MRK 1:40MRK 11:15LUK 2:49LUK 19:10JHN 1:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Mary anointing Jesus with perfume. He emphasizes that Jesus is not just a man or a prophet, but the Son of God and the Creator of the universe. The speaker highlights the significance of Mary's act, as she prepared Jesus for his burial. He also mentions Judas' betrayal and how Mary's story will be remembered throughout the world wherever the gospel is preached. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus' true identity and the value of acts of devotion and sacrifice.
Who Is the Idiot?
By Jack Hyles54637:01PRO 28:26MAT 6:33LUK 2:49ROM 10:1EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about an old man who has painted and cleaned his house in hopes of selling it. However, when potential buyers come, they reveal that they actually plan to tear down the house and build a new one. The preacher uses this story to illustrate how people often misunderstand God's plan for salvation. He emphasizes that God has already paid for our salvation through Jesus' death on the cross, and all we need to do is trust in Him. The preacher encourages the listeners to focus on the needs of others and the work of Christ, rather than being self-centered.
The Musts of Christs Commandment
By Ian Paisley48235:39MAT 24:6MAT 26:53MRK 13:10LUK 2:49JHN 3:7JHN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher explores the parallelism between two chapters in the Gospel of John: chapter 3 and chapter 4. The preacher highlights the parallel of identity between two characters introduced in these chapters - a religious man and a reprobate woman. Despite their different backgrounds, both characters are representative of fallen humanity. The preacher emphasizes that both sinners are in need of the same gospel message, which is the love of God demonstrated through the gift of His only begotten Son.
Sparkle With God's Glory
By Erlo Stegen4691:01:13PurityJOS 24:15PSA 127:1PRO 22:6MAT 6:33LUK 2:49JHN 2:1ACT 16:31In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man named James who was burdened for his wife's salvation. After praying and surrendering his life to Jesus, James decides to share his newfound faith with his bride on their wedding day. This surprises and shocks his bride, but James explains that Jesus can make things better and better, just like he did at the wedding in Cana where he turned water into wine. The preacher emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord in our homes and allowing Jesus to transform our lives.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 508
By Don Courville34824:30Radio ShowISA 57:15MAT 6:33LUK 2:49ACT 17:281JN 5:10In this sermon, the preacher begins by using an illustration of a goldfish in a bowl to emphasize the importance of having Jesus in our hearts for eternal life. He then extends an invitation to the viewers to repent of their sins and believe in Jesus to receive God's gift of eternal life. The preacher also encourages the audience to believe in God's work in their lives, churches, and country. The sermon concludes with a verse from Isaiah 57:15, highlighting the need for a contrite and humble spirit to experience revival and dwell with God in eternity.
How to Apply the 5 Decrees of Isaiah 19
By Mike Bickle141:06:34End TimesIntercessionISA 19:24DAN 11:40MAT 24:14LUK 2:49JHN 17:22Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Isaiah 19 in understanding God's end-time purposes for Egypt, Israel, and Assyria, highlighting their strategic roles in the unfolding of God's glory and pressure in the world. He explains that the events in these nations will serve as a precursor to the global outpouring of God's Spirit and the establishment of His kingdom, urging believers to engage in prayer and intercession for these nations. Bickle outlines five prophetic decrees from Isaiah 19 that believers are called to declare and pray into existence, emphasizing the need for a unified body of Christ to fulfill God's purposes. He stresses that the glory and pressure experienced in these nations will impact all nations, calling for a collective response to God's strategic agenda. Ultimately, Bickle encourages the church to be about the Father's business, participating in the prophetic fulfillment of God's promises.
Epistle 309
By George Fox0PeaceRighteousnessEXO 23:1ISA 26:4ISA 28:16EZK 38:23MAT 5:9MAT 18:7LUK 2:49PHP 4:81TH 4:12HEB 7:2George Fox emphasizes the importance of seeking peace among all people, which is found in Christ and cannot be taken away by the world. He highlights the blessings for peacemakers and warns against causing strife and offense. Fox encourages believers to act and speak in the righteousness of Christ, ensuring that their actions reflect God's love and truth. He advises against spreading evil reports and stresses the need for careful judgment and virtuous conduct in all interactions. Ultimately, he calls for a focus on the presence and wisdom of God to maintain righteousness and peace within the community.
The Walk
By A.B. Simpson0Imitating ChristChristian ConductLUK 2:49JHN 4:34JHN 5:30JHN 6:38JHN 13:34PHP 2:51JN 2:6A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, as outlined in 1 John 2:6. He highlights that Christ's life serves as the ultimate example for believers, showcasing His love, humility, and dedication to God's will. Simpson encourages Christians to aspire to emulate Christ's character and actions in their daily lives, emphasizing that true discipleship involves a deep longing to reflect His image. He also discusses the principles, motives, and activities that defined Jesus' life, urging believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in their journey of faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of self-sacrifice, love, and active service, mirroring the life of Christ.
The Choice of a Career
By G.R. Cowell0PRO 3:5MAT 6:33LUK 2:49PHP 3:14HEB 10:5G.R. Cowell preaches about the believer's ultimate purpose being to do the will of God, emphasizing that they are bought with a price and belong to God. The believer's career is to follow God's will, with Christ as their focus and motivation, ensuring divine support, care, and eternal riches. Just as Jesus modeled complete surrender to God's will, believers are called to function as part of Christ's body, serving in God's house and pursuing heavenly goals with dedication.
The Nature and Reality of Spiritual Energy
By T. Austin-Sparks0Divine PurposeSpiritual EnergyLUK 2:49JHN 2:11JHN 5:19JHN 5:30JHN 9:4JHN 10:16JHN 14:10JHN 16:132CO 12:5EPH 3:20T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the nature and reality of spiritual energy in the life of Christ, illustrating how His purposeful actions were driven by divine energy from above. He highlights that Jesus' life was characterized by continuous movement and activity, fueled by the Holy Spirit, and that this same energy is available to believers today. Sparks urges the church to recognize that true spiritual life is not passive but actively engages with the world, reflecting God's purpose and power in every situation. He warns against relying on human strength, asserting that eternal value comes only from God's energy and direction. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to embody the heavenly resources available to them in their daily lives.
Epistles of John Chapter 2 the Walk
By A.B. Simpson0Imitating ChristChristian ConductLUK 2:49JHN 4:34JHN 13:34PHP 2:51JN 2:6A.B. Simpson emphasizes the call for Christians to walk as Jesus walked, highlighting that our conduct should reflect His character and life. He discusses the importance of understanding the motives, principles, and standards that guided Christ, urging believers to imitate His love, devotion, and service. Simpson illustrates how Jesus' life serves as a complete example for all stages of life and encourages a deep longing to embody Christ's character. He concludes by reminding us that through the Holy Spirit, we can be transformed to reflect Christ's image in our daily lives.
This Is My Task
By Aimee Semple McPherson0EXO 3:9NEH 2:5MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 2:49JHN 4:34Aimee Semple McPherson preaches about the importance of fulfilling our task on earth, which is to spread the gospel to every corner of the world. She emphasizes the need to be willing and obedient to God's calling, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to work tirelessly for the Lord. Drawing inspiration from various biblical figures like Moses, Nehemiah, and Noah, she urges believers to actively participate in sharing the message of salvation and to be united in purpose and action.
An Open Heaven (Revelation 22:4)
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Cross of ChristGod's PresenceGEN 3:24NUM 6:26ISA 35:1MAT 26:39LUK 2:49ACT 19:21TI 3:16HEB 13:51JN 5:4REV 22:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of seeing God's face, tracing the journey from humanity's expulsion from Eden to the promise of seeing God's face in Revelation. He highlights that the cross of Christ is the pivotal moment that restores the possibility of fellowship with God, transforming desolation into hope. The wilderness symbolizes spiritual desolation, yet through Christ's sacrifice, believers are assured of God's presence and favor. Ultimately, the sermon reassures that despite feelings of abandonment, believers can trust in God's promise of never being forsaken, culminating in the glorious vision of seeing His face in eternity.
My Father
By H.J. Vine0LUK 2:49JHN 5:43JHN 10:33JHN 14:3JHN 17:23H.J. Vine preaches about the deep devotion of Jesus Christ to honor His Father, contrasting it with Absalom's rebellion against King David. Jesus always sought to bring glory to God, obedient even to death on the cross, while Absalom sought to seize his father's authority. The Gospel of John emphasizes the relationship between Jesus and the Father, highlighting the importance of John's writings in revealing this intimate connection. Jesus' entire life, works, and sacrifice were dedicated to fulfilling His Father's will and bringing glory to His Name, ultimately preparing a place in His Father's house for believers.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
How is it that ye sought me? - Is not this intended as a gentle reproof? Why had ye me to seek? Ye should not have left my company, when ye knew I am constantly employed in performing the will of the Most High. My Father's business? - Εν τοις του πατρος μου, My Father's concerns. Some think that these words should be translated, In my Father's house; which was a reason that they should have sought him in the temple only. As if he had said, Where should a child be found, but in his father's house? This translation is defended by Grotius, Pearce, and others; and is the reading of the Syriac, later Persic, and Armenian versions. Our Lord took this opportunity to instruct Joseph and Mary concerning his Divine nature and mission. My Father's concerns. This saying, one would think, could not have been easily misunderstood. It shows at once that he came down from heaven. Joseph had no concerns in the temple; and yet we find they did not fully comprehend it. How slow of heart is man to credit any thing that comes from God!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
about my Father's business--literally, "in" or "at My Fathers," that is, either "about My Father's affairs," or "in My Father's courts"--where He dwells and is to be found--about His hand, so to speak. This latter shade of meaning, which includes the former, is perhaps the true one, Here He felt Himself at home, breathing His own proper air. His words convey a gentle rebuke of their obtuseness in requiring Him to explain this. "Once here, thought ye I should so readily hasten away? Let ordinary worshippers be content to keep the feast and be gone; but is this all ye have learnt of Me?" Methinks we are here let into the holy privacies of Nazareth; for what He says they should have known, He must have given them ground to know. She tells Him of the sorrow with which His father and she had sought Him. He speaks of no Father but one, saying, in effect, My Father has not been seeking Me; I have been with Him all this time; "the King hath brought me into His chambers . . . His left hand is under my head, and His right hand doth embrace me" (Sol 1:4; Sol 2:6). How is it that ye do not understand? (Mar 8:21).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they understood not the saying,.... What he meant by his Father's house, or his Father's business, and the necessity of his being there, and about that: which he spake unto them; at that time, and as above related.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:49 Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house? Jesus was aware that his greatest loyalty belonged to his Father in heaven.