Light of the WorldSample

“This little light of mine…”

Many of us learned this as young children at VBS or KidLife Camp. As adults, we continue with the rest of the song in our heads. When we can no longer sing it in our heads, we let a few lyrics seep out, and a smile creeps across our faces. The familiarity of this little song feels like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a crisp, cold night, warming us from the inside out. Then, we take a moment and contemplate the lyrics.

In today’s passage, the Festival of the Passover took place, and 12-year-old Jesus attended with his parents, as was the custom. On their way home, after a day of travel, Mary and Joseph finally realized that Jesus wasn’t with them. They were appropriately anxious and returned to Jerusalem to find him. In contrast to their anxiety, when Jesus was found a few days later, He was perfectly calm. He was fully engaged with the teachers, and they were surprised at the depth of his understanding.

When Jesus saw Mary and Joseph, with presumably worried looks on their faces, He asked them why they were looking for him. It was as if to say that he wasn’t lost, and that they should’ve known where to find him because he was with his Father. In verse 49, Jesus stated, “I had to be in my Father’s house” (NIV). The NKJV puts it this way: “I had to be about my Father’s business.”

Jesus recognized the Lord God as his Father. With childlike faith and trust, Jesus knew who he was as his Father’s Son. Mary and Joseph, on the other hand, didn’t comprehend what Jesus was saying.

There are several instances where the Bible refers to childlike faith and how important it is for us to have it. This faith is not immature but trusting with your entire being without question.

“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” | Matthew 18:4 (NIV)

“Truly, I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” | Luke 18:17 (NIV)

Questions:
Do you know God, the Father? Are you bold in your faith? Do you let your faith shine, no matter where you are or who you are with?

Application:
Please help me to have childlike faith in you, Lord. Let your light shine in me, Lord, so others will want to know you. May I not hide my faith but be bold in proclaiming your greatness.