The Boy Jesus Asks Questions


After Joseph and Mary had done all that the law commanded, they returned

to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the boy Jesus grew and

became strong in body and mind. And the blessing of God was upon him.



Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem to the Feast of the

Passover, and when he was twelve years old they went up as usual. After

they had stayed the full number of days and were returning, the boy

Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this; but,

supposing him to be in the caravan, they travelled on for a whole day.

Then they searched for him among their relatives and friends. When they

did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, still looking for him.

After three days they found him in the Temple, sitting with the

teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him

were amazed at his intelligence and his answers.



When his parents saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to

him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have

been anxiously looking for you." He said to them, "Why did you look for

me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did

not understand what he meant.



Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth; and he was obedient to

them; but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus grew

in wisdom and body and in favor with God and man.



More

;