*Luke 2:41-52
Twelve years old, Jesus travels with his parents to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, and remains behind in the temple courts where he is found discussing scripture with the teachers.
- The Boy Jesus at the Temple:
- The passage recounts an incident when Jesus was twelve years old, and His parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, as was their custom.
- After the festival ends, His parents begin their journey back home to Nazareth, assuming Jesus is among their traveling group.
- Discovery of Jesus Missing:
- After traveling for a day, Mary and Joseph realize that Jesus is not with them.
- They return to Jerusalem to search for Him, and after three days, they find Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.
- Mary’s Rebuke and Jesus’ Response:
- Mary expresses her concern and reprimands Jesus for causing them anxiety by staying behind without informing them.
- Jesus responds, stating that they should have known He would be in His Father’s house, emphasizing His unique relationship with God as His Father.
- Understanding and Astonishment:
- Although they do not fully comprehend His words at the time, Mary and Joseph are amazed by Jesus’ understanding and His ability to engage with the teachers in the temple.
- Return to Nazareth:
- Jesus accompanies His parents back to Nazareth, where He continues to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:41-52 teaches us the importance of growing in our faith and staying close to God. Even as a young boy, Jesus made time to learn and talk about God, showing us that seeking wisdom and understanding is important. This reminds us to make time for God in our daily lives—through prayer, reading the Bible, and learning from others. Just as Jesus grew in wisdom and favor with God, we should also strive to grow in our faith and live in a way that honors Him.
Luke 2:41-52 (WEB)
2:41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast; 43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey; and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.”49 He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.