The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover.(A) 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed(B) at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother(C) said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father(D) 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?”[a](E) 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.(F)

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them(G) and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.(H) 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.(I)

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Footnotes

  1. Luke 2:49 Or be about my Father’s business

In His Father’s House

41 Every year his parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival.(A) 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the festival.(B) 43 After those days were over,(C) as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents[a] did not know it. 44 Assuming he was in the traveling party, they went a day’s journey. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 After three days, they found him in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all those who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him,(D) “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”(E)

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked them. “Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?”[b] 50 But they did not understand what he said to them.(F)

In Favor with God and with People

51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. His mother kept all these things in her heart.(G) 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.(H)

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Footnotes

  1. 2:43 Other mss read but Joseph and his mother
  2. 2:49 Or be involved in my Father’s interests (or things), or be among my Father’s people