I Must Be About My Father’s Business
And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? (Luke 2:49, KJV)
Indeed, God has a unique business on earth. This “business” does not involve money-making endeavors as we understand in the commercial sense but represents the things of God: His concerns, His interests. In this article, we delve into what the King James Version translates as “My Father’s business.” We will explore whether you are engaged in your Father’s business and what actions you should take regarding it.
Firstly, let’s contextualize the scene. Jesus’ parents, after searching for Him, found Him in the temple, engaged in deep theological discussion with the religious leaders. Astounded, they questioned His presence among the law teachers. Jesus responded, emphasizing His commitment to His Father’s business.
The original Greek phrase, translated as “my Father’s business,” is literally “in the [things] of my Father,”. Most Bible scholars interpret this as indicating Jesus’ preoccupation with the things of the Temple in Jerusalem—the Father’s House. Later, Jesus speaks of this house in Matthew 16:18, highlighting His intention to build His church, a community against which the gates of hell shall not prevail.
Jesus’ dedication to God’s house was so intense that the Psalmist remarked, “zeal for thine house hath consumed me.”(Psalm 69:9, John 2:17). But God’s House today is not a physical building(not the Temple in Jerusalem or our Church buildings). Still, the collective body of believers, as stated in Hebrews 3:6, “And we are his house” (ESV). Thus, God’s business on earth is nurturing or building His people to fulfill His divine purposes. This encompasses two main aspects: firstly, adding new believers to His spiritual household when they hear the Gospel and believe, and secondly, refining and strengthening existing believers to bring them to Christ-like maturity—Sons.
Brethren, engaging in God’s business means using your skills, talents, money, time, and spiritual gifts to win souls and build fellow believers. Here is what matters to God: the impact of your life on other people. Are you winning souls? Are other Christians being strengthened, encouraged, helped, transformed, or impacted by your life or ministry?
Everything else is secondary. He will need more ministries or even Churches to do this, but God’s primary intention is not to build ministries or churches per se but PEOPLE. Your influence on others is a significant aspect of your destiny, a topic Jesus illustrated through the parable of the talents—one of these days, He will ask us what we did with our talents.
Therefore, take the initiative. Whatever resources you have, employ them in the service of the Father’s business. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; those genuinely seeking His interests above their own are few.
Meditate
Reflect on your current engagement with God’s business. Are you about your Father’s business?
Apply the Word
Remember, involvement doesn’t necessarily mean starting a church or ministry or becoming a missionary. The essence lies in following the Holy Spirit’s guidance to use your time, resources, and gifts in evangelism or edifying believers whether in full-time ministry or not, whether on pulpits, on the streets or in homes, whether you are famous or not, etc. So, commit to being actively involved in God’s building project.
Pray
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s assistance in igniting a passion for God’s House within you, mirroring Jesus’ zeal.
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