Where Did You Leave Him?

Sermon by Rev. Emmanuel Ajuwon
14 Days of Glory 2026 (Day 5)
Prayer Meeting, Sunday, January 5, 2026

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-52 (KJV)

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Dear brethren, as we press deeper into these 14 Days of Glory, on this fifth day the Lord is confronting us with a heart-searching question:

“Where did you leave Me?”

Mary and Joseph faithfully attended the annual Passover in Jerusalem. When the feast ended and they began the journey home, they assumed the twelve-year-old Jesus was somewhere in the traveling company. They traveled a full day before discovering He was missing. Frantically, they returned to Jerusalem and, after three anxious days of searching, found Him in the temple—about His Father’s business.

Many of us stepped into 2026 just like that—assuming Jesus is still walking with us, yet somewhere along the way we have left Him behind in the rush, routines, and distractions of life. Some left Him in 2025 and carried on without noticing. Tonight, in this solemn assembly, the Holy Spirit is calling us to honest self-examination.

What Does It Mean to Leave Jesus Behind?

• Walking without His conscious presence
  Making decisions, pursuing careers, building relationships, and chasing dreams without the tangible presence of God. Like Moses, we must insist: “If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15). Never walk alone again.
• Assuming instead of abiding in Him
  Mary and Joseph supposed He was with them—a costly assumption. Samson shook himself as before, unaware the Spirit had departed (Judges 16:20). When prayer, Bible study, holiness, and obedience fade, yet we still assume God is with us, we deceive ourselves.
• Prioritizing the journey over Jesus Himself
  Their focus was on getting home; Jesus was left behind. Today, careers, family obligations, personal ambitions, and packed schedules crowd out intimacy with Christ.
• Replacing His presence with the crowd
  They thought Jesus was among relatives and friends. Do not lean on people while neglecting Jesus. Never make any person—friend, family, or mentor—your primary source or god.
• Forgetting that Jesus must remain the center
  Mary and Joseph momentarily forgot the miraculous promise and divine identity of this Child. In 2026, keep Jesus at the absolute center of every area of your life.

Clear Signs You Have Left Him Behind

• Prayer has become a burden rather than a delight
  You pray only out of duty, not desire. No midnight encounters, no joy in communion—just hurried, mechanical words.
• The Word of God no longer stirs or excites you
  The Bible gathers dust. You rarely open it, yet expect divine direction and victory.
• Sin no longer grieves or troubles you
  You are comfortable with compromise. Your conscience is no longer tender toward holiness.
• Love for others has grown cold
  Bitterness, unforgiveness, and offense linger. You struggle to love as Christ commanded (John 13:35).
• Fellowship with brethren feels like a duty, not a blessing
  Church attendance becomes an obligation rather than a longing (Hebrews 10:25).
• You assume His presence without fruit to prove it
  You live and speak as though He is with you, but there is no evidence in your character or conduct.
• The things of the world excite you more than His presence
  Worldly pleasures draw your heart, while time with God feels dry (1 John 2:15).

A Loving Call to Return

If you have left Him behind, do not expect Him to automatically fight your battles, supply your needs, or manifest miracles in 2026. Where He is not welcomed, He withdraws.

But glory to God—tonight is a night of mercy and restoration! The Father is calling: “My child, come back home.”

• Forgive and reconcile with anyone the Spirit brings to mind.
• Release every root of bitterness and offense.
• Return to fervent prayer, diligent study of the Word, and passionate pursuit of His presence.

Let 2026 be the year His presence goes with you everywhere—into your home, workplace, decisions, and dreams.

Closing Prayer

Father, we repent tonight. Have mercy on us where we have left You behind. Restore the joy of prayer, the hunger for Your Word, and the fire of Your presence. We refuse to walk alone in 2026. Let Your presence abide with us continually. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray—Amen!

Do not leave Him behind again.
Take Him with you—every day, every step of 2026.
He must be about His Father’s business—and so must we. Hallelujah!