40and the child grew and was strengthened in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.

41 And his parents were going yearly to Jerusalem, at the feast of the passover, 42and when he became twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43and having finished the days, in their returning the child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother did not know, 44and, having supposed him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and were seeking him among the kindred and among the acquaintances, 45and not having found him, they turned back to Jerusalem seeking him. 46And it came to pass, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them, 47and all those hearing him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And, having seen him, they were amazed, and his mother said unto him, ‘Child, why didst thou thus to us? lo, thy father and I, sorrowing, were seeking thee.’ 49And he said unto them, ‘Why is it that ye were seeking me? did ye not know that in the things of my Father it behoveth me to be?’ 50and they did not understand the saying that he spake to them, 51and he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them, and his mother was keeping all these sayings in her heart, 52and Jesus was advancing in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour with God and men.

Chapter 3