THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LUKE 2

The Boy Jesus at the Temple

41 Now Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up *2:42 to Jerusalem ¦ --- CTto Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had completed their days there and started returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But *2:43 Joseph did not know it, and neither did Jesus' mother ¦ his parents did not know it CTJoseph did not know it, and neither did Jesus' mother. 44 They assumed that he was in the company of travelers, so they went a day’s journey before they began looking for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking 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 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Child, why have yoʋ treated us like this? Behold, yoʋr father and I have been looking for yoʋ in great distress." 49 He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?" 50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was obedient to them. And his mother kept all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men.