January 3, 2023: Luke 2:44-45 - Where is Jesus?

“…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.” - Luke 2:44-45

Jesus’ parents Joseph and Mary had gone to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of the Passover and had taken the Boy Jesus with them, who was twelve years old. They had traveled with a group of people, including relatives, and now they were traveling back home after the feast had concluded. Travel at that time was not like traveling in today’s world, and with a large crowd that included young people and likely the elderly, they would have traveled even more slowly. With a large crowd of family and friends, Joseph and Mary had supposed that Jesus was with them when they left Jerusalem. However, after traveling a day, Joseph and Mary sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances and did not find Him. Thus, they went back to Jerusalem, seeking Him.

One definition of the word “supposed” or “supposing” is “to believe or assume as true; take for granted.” How many of us have assumed or supposed something to be true that in fact is not? The most critical thing I can think of is: are we supposing or assuming that we can be saved from our sins and go to heaven when we die, or are we basing what we think on fact, the word of God? As Jesus would later tell His disciples during His time of ministry on the earth, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

The world, including Oprah Winfrey, tells us there are many ways to heaven and that there cannot be only one way. She is supposing, based on her feelings, instead of basing her opinion on fact, the never changing word of God. How many people like her in the world believe as long as they are a “good” person, they will get to heaven? This is a lie from the Devil, and he is leading many straight to the pit of hell.

The apostle Paul in Ephesians tells us how we are saved, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Can you imagine what heaven would be like if we could get there by something we could do other than by believing in Jesus Christ? It would be a total brag-fest! “Oh, you got to heaven by only doing those things? Well, let me tell you that I got to heaven because I did this, and this, and this, and on and on.”

Instead of telling their congregants what Jesus said about how to be saved, that heaven and hell are real, and we will go to one of those two places when we die, many “pastors” are preaching only what they believe their followers want to hear - they are good, it’s okay to sin as long as the world approves of it, it’s all about them and making them feel good about themselves - because they want the people to keep coming back to their church and putting money in the donation boxes. Jesus’ words were clear and remove any and all doubt as to how one gets to heaven.

I would caution you not to take anyone’s word for granted when it comes to your eternity, for the world is corruptible; Jesus Christ is without sin and perfect in every way. Let us not suppose anything when it comes to our salvation. Let us see and read God’s word with our own eyes. Let us hear it with our own ears. Let us seek Him, while He still may be found, for one day, you will take your last breath and if you are not saved prior to dying, it will be too late for you.

Let us not suppose anything when it comes to our salvation. Let us know Him and where He is - at the right hand of the throne of God. “So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.” (Mark 16:19)