Memorial Baptist Church

Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." 49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them. 51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:41-52

At twelve years old, Jesus travels with His family up to Jerusalem. Following the feast, all the relatives journey back towards home. Down the road, they realize Jesus isn’t with them. As with any parent, I’m confident panic and concern consumed their thoughts. It took them three days until they found Him. He was in the temple courts sitting among the teachers. Everyone was amazed at His understanding and responses. Obviously Mary and Joseph mingled around the crowd long enough to hear the reports about Jesus’ behavior. Once again they were reminded of the mission of this Child. He’s doing business in His Father’s house. Did you see Mary’s reaction? She treasured these moments in her heart. She knew something the world was yet to realize. This Child is the Christ.