My father’s house: Nov 17th sermon summary
Biblical Text: Luke 2:41-52
Teaching Series: Nothing Impossible
Preacher: Jason C. Helveston
Christianity involves living between two worlds—the natural and the supernatural—both of which are integral to a believer's life
We know the Natural World as a tangible, physical world created by God and called "very good" (Genesis 1:31). It's the world of nature, relationships, daily routines, and earthly experiences. Jesus experienced and embraced this world, as illustrated in the story of his family's yearly pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover (Luke 2:41-52).
The Supernatural World is an invisible realm where God's glory, work, and love reign. It's where eternal truths, divine purposes, and spiritual battles unfold (Ephesians 6:10-12). Jesus acknowledged this world as his ultimate priority, evidenced by his words in the temple: "Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?" (Luke 2:49).
We must learn to live well between these two worlds. Christians are called to navigate the tension between their earthly responsibilities and their heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20). This balance is challenging, as seen in Mary and Joseph's confusion when Jesus prioritized his Heavenly Father's business over family plans.
Thankfully, we have Jesus’ example as a guiding light. Jesus fully engaged with the natural world, growing in wisdom, relationships, and obedience to his earthly parents. Simultaneously, he was deeply rooted in the supernatural world, aligning his life with the Father's eternal purposes.
Lastly, we can look forward and beckon the New World. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus is reconciling the natural and supernatural worlds, creating a new creation. Christians participate in this new world through acts of love, kindness, and faithfulness, which contribute to God's eternal kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:17). Living as a Christian means embracing the tension and joy of these two worlds. Through Jesus, believers glimpse the new world where God's glory, work, and love will fully unite the natural and supernatural. As N.T. Wright reminds us, every act of faith and love contributes to this new creation.
