“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).

These are the first recorded words of the Lord Jesus Christ in His human incarnation. His mother had just gently rebuked Him, speaking of how she and “thy father” (meaning Joseph) had been searching for Him. He, in turn, gently rebuked her, reminding her of what she should have remembered from the angel’s message before His conception, that He had come into the world on the business of His Father in heaven, to “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21), and He needed to be about that business.

Finally, all the preparations for the accomplishment of the Father’s great business assignment had been completed, and Jesus willingly proceeded to the cross, on which the transaction price was to be paid. Nailed to the tree, bearing our sins, shedding His blood, He died in our place, paying the wages of sin, and thereby saving us from eternal death and judgment at the hands of a holy God. When He had drained God’s cup of wrath, and every prophecy had been fulfilled, the business was done and He could shout the great victory cry: “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

Then, in His last recorded words as in His first recorded words, He called on His Father in heaven. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). The Father’s business on Earth had been fully accomplished, all that He had been sent to do had been done, and now He could return home.

Well, not quite! After His resurrection and a quick visit when he ascended to “my Father, and your Father” (John 20:17), He returned for forty days to prepare His disciples for their assignment from the Father. “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you,” He said (John 20:21). And now we, also, must be about our Father’s business. HMM