The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when Jesus was twelve years old, they went up according to the festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but His parents did not know it. After three days they found Jesus in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, and all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. Mary said, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your Father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” And Jesus said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know I must be in my Father’s house.” Lk 2:41-49

Even at such a tender age our dear Lord Jesus wanted to be close to His Father. The Son wished to teach about His Father. The Son desired all to know the love of the Father. The Son wanted strongly to begin His mission now. Yet, the scripture says, “Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and Jesus was obedient to them.” Lk 2:51 In a small town through prayer, work and obedience the humble Savior would ready Himself for His mission to preach the kingdom of God and suffer for our sake.