Boy Jesus at the Temple
At age twelve, Jesus stays behind in Jerusalem after Passover, where His parents find Him in the temple astonishing the teachers with His understanding.
Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover, faithful in their observance of the Law. When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. This was the age when Jewish boys began to take responsibility for keeping the Law, marking an important transition in Jesus's life.
After they had fulfilled the days of the feast, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother knew not of it, assuming He was in their company among the travelers. They went a day's journey before they sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. When they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him with growing concern.
After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. All that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. The teachers of the Law, learned men who had spent their lives studying the Scriptures, marveled at the wisdom of this twelve-year-old boy. He asked penetrating questions and gave profound answers that went beyond His years.
When His parents saw Him, they were amazed. His mother said unto Him, 'Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.' Their distress was evident, having searched for three days for their lost child. Jesus's response revealed His divine consciousness: 'How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?' This was the first recorded instance of Jesus acknowledging His unique relationship with God the Father and His divine mission.
Though Mary and Joseph understood not the saying which He spake unto them, they treasured these things in their hearts. Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them, demonstrating perfect obedience even while knowing His divine identity. Mary kept all these sayings in her heart, pondering them. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man, growing in every dimension of human life while remaining the sinless Son of God, preparing for His future ministry.