The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus Found in the Temple
“And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” And he said unto them, “How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.” — Luke 2:48–50 (KJV)
The Jews commemorated the exodus of their ancestors from slavery in Egypt by celebrating the Feast of Passover. When Jesus was twelve years old — the only account of His childhood found in the Gospels — the family travelled to Jerusalem, as was their yearly custom, in the company of others, to take part in the feast. On their return, after the group had gone some distance, they realised that Jesus was not with them. Worried, Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem in search of Jesus, and found Him seated among the elders and teachers in the Temple, discussing the Scriptures with them like a scholar.