Luke 2:41–52

In His Father’s House

⁴¹Every year His parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. ^l42When He was 12 years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival. ^m43After those days were over, ⁿas they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents ^odid not know it. ⁴⁴Assuming He was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends. ⁴⁵When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for Him. ⁴⁶After three days, they found Him in the temple complex sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷And all those who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers. ⁴⁸When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and His mother said to Him, ^p“Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.” ^q

⁴⁹“Why were you searching for Me?” He asked them. “Didn’t you know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” ^r50But they did not understand what He said to them. ^s

In Favor with God and with People

⁵¹Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart. ^t52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people. ^u