Every year, Mary and Joseph traveled to the city of Jerusalem. They went there to celebrate a special feast, the Passover. This time, Jesus, their son, was already twelve years old and was allowed to come along. He was very much looking forward to the festival.
After the festival was over, Mary and Joseph made their way back home. They thought Jesus was with other relatives and friends in the group. After a day, they suddenly realized: “Where is Jesus?” They searched everywhere, but they couldn’t find him. They were very worried.
Mary and Joseph turned back and went back to Jerusalem. For three days they searched for Jesus in the big city. There, at last, they found him! Guess where he was? In the temple! This is a very special house for God.
Jesus was sitting there with the teachers. He listened to them attentively and asked clever questions. All who heard him were amazed at his clever answers. When Mary and Joseph saw him, they were amazed. Mary said, “Jesus, why did you do this to us? We were very worried!”
Then Jesus said, “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house?” But Mary and Joseph did not quite understand what he meant.
Then Jesus went home with them. He was obedient and well-behaved. Mary kept everything that had happened in her heart.
Jesus grew and became smarter and stronger. Everyone loved him and God was pleased with him.
Message of history
Jesus knew as a child that God was His Father. And just as he lovingly obeyed his parents, God rejoices when we listen to him and love him.
Bible passage
The story of Jesus as a child in the temple is found in Luke 2:41-52:
“And his parents went to Jerusalem every year on the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the feast. And when the days were over, and they were on their way home, the boy Jesus remained in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it. Believing that he was among their fellow-travellers, they went a day’s journey and sought him among their relatives and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem and sought him. And it came to pass that after three days they found him sitting in the temple, in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them. But all who heard him were beside themselves with his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed, and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you done this to us?” Behold, your Father and I have sought you with pain! And he said to them, “Why have you sought me?” Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s? And they did not understand the word that he said to them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. But Jesus increased in wisdom and age and favor with God and men.”
