19/04/2026
19 || 04 || 2026
YOUTH SUNDAY
Mary and Joseph traveled a full day’s journey away from Jerusalem "supposing" Jesus was in their company. In modern times, we often fall into the same trap. We go about our daily routines—work, family, and even church activities assuming Jesus is naturally "back there somewhere" in the caravan of our lives.
Today's sermon, "ARE YOU STILL WITH JESUS?", by Deacon Emmanuel Nkwa was a question that cut through religion, routine and reputation.
It is possible to be religiously active and socially connected while actually being a full day’s journey away from the presence of Christ.
Starting with Jesus isn't the same as staying with Him - Matthew 24:13
Are you following the real Jesus today, or are you just moving with the crowd and assuming He’s following you?
The narrative reveals a stark reality: it took Mary and Joseph one day to lose Jesus, but three days of searching to find Him again. This serves as a metaphor for spiritual life—losing focus is often instantaneous, but reclaiming that special sense of His presence and peace requires intentional, sometimes painful, effort.
One day of moving on "assumptions" can lead to many days of confusion.
What "distractions" or "religious customs" have caused you to travel miles away before realizing you are walking alone?.
Mary and Joseph first searched for Jesus among "relatives and acquaintances". Today, when we feel spiritually empty, we often search for fulfillment in social circles, family approval, or professional success. However, Jesus was not there; He was in His "Father’s house," focused on the Father's business.
To find Jesus, you must go back to where He said He would be—deep in the Word and in communion with the Father.
Jesus' response to His parents—"Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"—marked a shift from being a protected child to a teacher with a divine mission. For us, "being with Jesus" means shifting from our own "make-myself-right business" to the Father's business of grace and obedience.
Growth requires moving beyond "instant spirituality" to a life of consistent maturation in wisdom and favor.
You cannot "be with Jesus" if you are disobedient to His will. Saul, the first king of Israel lost sight of this and veered from the path God set out for him. He didn't even realise when he stopped being with the Lord - 1st Samuel 9:1-down.
Conclusion:
Staying with Jesus is a daily decision, not a one-time declaration - John 15:4.
Just as the "three days" in Jerusalem foreshadowed the three days between the cross and the resurrection, our periods of feeling "lost" are never permanent. If you realize today that you’ve been traveling on assumptions and disobedience, you can stop, turn around, and find Him exactly where He promised He would be.
Refs: Luke 2:41-46, John 4,14:4, 10:2-3, 1st Corinthians 10:12, Joshua 22:5