The Lost Christ Luke 2:40-49 V. 40. “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him. V. 41. “Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. V. 42. “And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

V. 43. “And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and His mother knew not of it. V. 44. “But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. V. 45. “And when they found Him not, they returned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him. V. 46. “And it came to pass, that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions

V. 47. “And all that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. V. 48. “And when they saw Him, they were amazed: and His mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, they father and I have sought thee sorrowing. V. 49. “And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My Father’s business?

V. 50. “And they understood not the saying which He spake unto them. V. 51. “And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. V. 52. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

Consider the Text: Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover, 2:41. – One of 3 annual feasts, Deut. 16:16. – Eight days total, Exodus 12:5-6,12. – “The child Jesus tarried behind…,” 2:43 “They went a day’s journey,” Luke 2:44. They “sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances,” 2:44.

Consider the Text (cont.) They “turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him,” 2:45. “After three days they found Him in the temple,” Luke 2:46. Mary’s Gentle rebuke, Luke 2:48. Jesus’ Reply, “…I must be about My Father’s business,” Luke 2:49.

Why Was Jesus Lost? Because of Ignorance; they “knew not of it,” Luke 2:43. Because of Supposition; they supposed “him to have in the company,” Luke 2:44. Due to Negligence. They should have checked to make sure He was with them! Due to Departure. Having “fulfilled the days…they returned,” 2:43, leaving Jesus behind!

By Whom is Jesus Lost Today? Sometimes by His Family! – It was His family that lost Him in Luke, chapter two! – His family now is the church!, I Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:13,19. By those who have never found Him! – Matt. 25:12: “I know you not.” – Matt. 7:23: “I never knew you.”

How is Christ Lost Today? By Ignorance! – The religion of Christ is a taught religion! Mark 16:15-16; John 6: By Departure – Into religious error, I Timothy 4:1. – Into Disobedience, 2 Timothy 4:10. – Into Lukewarmness, Revelation 3: – Into worldliness, I Corinthians 5:1. By Supposition! Luke 2:44; Matt. 7: – Many today suppose their preacher is right, that he is preaching the truth, but they have not checked to make sure. Acts 17:11; I John 4:1; I Thess. 5:21.

How is Christ Lost Today (con’t) By Negligence. By Leaving Him “at church.” By Looking for Him in all the wrong places. – Among relatives, Lk. 2:44; John 8: – In the creeds of men, Galatians 1:6-9. – In human churches, Matt. 15:13; Eph. 4:4. – In human opinions, Heb. 11:6; Rom. 10:17. Cf. “saved by faith only,” “sprinkling and pouring,” instrumental music, “one church as good as another,” church support of human institutions, etc.

How Can Christ Be Found? By Going to where He is! – To His word, John 6:63,68; 8:31-32; 12:48. – To His death, Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:27. – Being added to His body, Acts 2:41,47. Be returning back to Him if you one obeyed the gospel, and later became unfaithful. – Jesus’ parents left the temple! – Many today have left the church!

Conclusion: The story in Luke, chapter two, does not end with Jesus being lost; rather it ends with Jesus being found! Jesus is lost to those who are lost in sin, but this day (and this service) should not end with Christ being lost to you or you being lost to Him!