Mat 18:12, Luk 2:48-49 | Barnes | STEP | Verses 12-14. To show still farther the reason why we should not despise them, he introduced a parable showing the joy felt when a thing lost is found. Man rejoices over the recovery of one of his flock that had wandered, more than over all that remained. So God rejoices that man is restored, seeks his salvation, and wills that not one thus found should perish. If God thus loves and preserves the redeemed, then surely man should not despise them, See this passage farther explained in . (i) "if a man"

Matthew 18:12

Verses 12-14. To show still farther the reason why we should not despise them, he introduced a parable showing the joy felt when a thing lost is found. Man rejoices over the recovery of one of his flock that had wandered, more than over all that remained. So God rejoices that man is restored, seeks his salvation, and wills that not one thus found should perish. If God thus loves and preserves the redeemed, then surely man should not despise them, See this passage farther explained in Lk 15:4-10.

(i) "if a man" Lk 15:4

Luke 2:48-49

Verse 48. Why hast thou thus dealt with us? Why hast thou given us all this trouble and anxiety, in going so far and returning with so much solicitude?

Thy father. Joseph was not the real father of Jesus, but he was legally so; and as the secret of his birth was not commonly known, he was called his father. Mary, in accordance with that usage, also called him so.

Sorrowing. Anxious, lest in the multitude he might not be found, or lest some accident might have happened to him.

Verse 49. How is it, &c. Why have ye sought me with so much anxiety? Mary should have known that the Son of God was safe; that his heavenly Father would take care of him, and that he could do nothing amiss.

Wist ye not. Know ye not. You had reason to know. You knew my design in coming into the world, and that design was superior to the duty of obeying earthly parents, and they should be willing always to give me up to the proper business for which I live.

My Father's business. Some think that this should be translated "in my Father's house" -- that is, in the temple. Jesus reminded them here that he came down from heaven; that he had a higher Father than an earthly parent; and that, even in early life, it was proper that he should be engaged in the work for which he came. He did not enter, indeed, upon his public work for eighteen years after this; yet still the work of God was his work, and always, even in childhood, it was proper for him to be engaged in the great business for which he came down from heaven.

(z) Jn 5:17, 9:4