When Jesus was a little lad,
He journeyed to Jerusalem.
His family and friends were glad
To have him walk the miles with them;
But starting home they found that he
Was not among the company.
Returning to the temple then,
His parents found him answering
The questions of the learned men
Who listened to his reasoning,
And Mary, grieved by seeming wrong,
Asked why he tarried overlong.
In his reply he helped them see
His mission, which these words express:
"Oh, wist ye not that I must be
About my Father's business?"
Then, going home with childlike sense,
He gave them full obedience.
He put the things of Spirit first,
And thus he grew in Christly grace,
The while he dutifully nursed
The simple tasks of lowly place.
Today his words still serve to stress
The Father's blessed business.
