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.
2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.
2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.
2:43 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.
2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.
2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.
2:46 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.
2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
2:48 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.
2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
2:51 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.
2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.