41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 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. 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.
45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 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. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 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. 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? (Luke 2:41-49 KJV)
The Boy Jesus in the Temple
We have here the only recorded story about our blessed Savior from his infancy until he appeared to Israel at twenty-nine years old. Therefore, we should value this passage, for it’s pointless to wish we had more.
Christ went up with his parents to Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover (Luke 2:41-42). It was their regular practice to attend, according to the law, even though the journey was long and they were poor and perhaps had to sacrifice to afford it. Public worship must be a priority, and we must not neglect gathering together. Worldly business must yield to spiritual matters. Joseph and Mary had a son at home who could teach them better than all the rabbis in Jerusalem, yet they still went to the feast, as was their custom. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the homes of Jacob, and we should, too. Joseph likely went up for Pentecost and Tabernacles as well, for all males were to appear three times a year, but Mary only went for the Passover, the greatest of the three and richest in gospel meaning.
The child Jesus, at twelve years old, went up with them. The Jewish teachers say children at twelve begin to fast occasionally to prepare for fasting on the Day of Atonement, and at thirteen they become sons of the commandment, obligated to adult religious duties. It’s not said this was Jesus’ first time going to Jerusalem; likely, he had been there before, being wise beyond his years. All who can understand should attend public worship (Nehemiah 8:2). Children advanced in other areas should also be encouraged in religion. It honors Christ when children worship publicly, and he delights in their praises. Those dedicated to God as infants should be encouraged, as they grow, to take ownership of their commitment, such as participating in the Lord’s Supper.
Christ remained behind in Jerusalem without his parents’ knowledge, giving an early glimpse of his calling. His parents stayed the full seven days of the feast, though it wasn’t strictly required; many left after the first two days. It is good to remain through the end of an ordinance, as those who say, “It is good to be here,” and not leave as if detained unwillingly.
The child stayed behind in Jerusalem—not because he didn’t want to go home or didn’t enjoy his parents’ company, but because he had work to do and wanted them to know he must be attentive to his heavenly Father above all. Perhaps he stayed in the temple, where devout Jews often stopped to worship before returning home. Or maybe he remained at the lodging or with a friend. A child like him would be cherished by all who knew him, and everyone would enjoy his company. It is a good sign when young people desire to remain in God’s house—they are like Christ.
His parents traveled a full day without realizing he had stayed behind, assuming he was with others in the large crowd. They looked for him among their relatives and friends. “Have you seen our son?” Like the spouse’s question, “Have you seen him whom my soul loves?” He was a treasure worth seeking. They knew others would want his company and he would be eager to do good, but they didn’t find him (Luke 2:45). There are many among our relatives and acquaintances where we find little or nothing of Christ. They hoped he might be at their lodging that night, but no word of him came. (Compare Job 23:8-9.)
When they didn’t find him that night, they returned to Jerusalem the next morning, looking for him. Those who want to find Christ must seek until they do; he will eventually be found by those who seek him and will reward them. Those who have lost the comforts of Christ and assurance of their relationship with him should reflect on when and where they lost them, return to where they last had them, and renew their first love (Revelation 2:4-5).
On the third day, they found him in the temple, in one of the rooms where the teachers of the law held discussions or classes. He was sitting among them (Luke 2:46), not as a student being examined, but as one with such wisdom that he was allowed to sit among them as a peer. He was not only filled with wisdom (Luke 2:40), but eager to grow and to share it. He is an example to young people, who should love the company of those who can teach them and prefer sitting among teachers to playing games. Let them begin at twelve—or sooner—seeking knowledge and spending time with those who can instruct them. It’s a promising sign when youth desire to learn.
He listened to the teachers—those who want to learn must listen well. He asked questions, whether as a teacher (with authority), a learner (with humility), or as a fellow searcher for truth. He also answered questions, and his answers amazed everyone (Luke 2:47). His wisdom showed in both his questions and his answers. No one, not even their greatest teachers, spoke with such understanding. Like David, he had more insight than his teachers, even the elders (Psalm 119:99-100). Here, Christ showed a glimpse of his divine wisdom, soon withdrawn again. Calvin said he gave them a taste of his divine knowledge. His public appearance here was like Moses’ early attempt to deliver Israel (Acts 7:24-25), a hint of what he was sent to do—but they did not understand, and so, like Moses, he returned to obscurity.
His mother spoke to him privately. When the group dispersed, she took him aside and questioned him with deep affection (Luke 2:48). Both Joseph and Mary were amazed to find him there, sitting among the teachers and being honored. Joseph, knowing he was only his legal father, said nothing.
His mother said, “Son, why have you done this to us?” They had feared the worst—maybe a wild animal had harmed him, or perhaps he’d fallen into the hands of an enemy who remembered Herod’s attempt on his life. Many dreadful thoughts must have crossed their minds. “Why did you give us reason to fear? Your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow.”
Those who feel they’ve lost Christ are right to grieve. But their sorrow didn’t stop their search; they didn’t give up, but kept seeking. We must seek Christ sorrowing—sorry that we lost him, sorry we provoked him to leave, and sorry we didn’t search sooner. Those who seek him this way will find him, and with greater joy.
He gently corrected their excessive anxiety (Luke 2:49): “Why were you searching for me? Didn’t you know I must be in my Father’s house?” Some read it, “in my Father’s house,” others, “about my Father’s business.” Either way, he was where he belonged. He meant: First, “Under my Father’s care; you should have trusted that I was safe with him.” Second, “About my Father’s work; I am devoted to serving him and must give priority to that.”
He gave an example: God’s children should be devoted to their Father’s work, making it their top priority. Though we now understand this well, at the time, his parents did not grasp what he meant (Luke 2:50). They believed he was the Messiah, destined for David’s throne, and thought he would rule from a palace, not serve in the temple. They didn’t yet understand his prophetic role.