Jesus in the Temple at Twelve Years Old

41 And his parents went every year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to the custom of the feast. 43 And after[fn] the days were completed, while they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And his parents did not know it,[fn] 44 but believing him to be in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. And they began searching for[fn] him among their[fn] relatives and their[fn] acquaintances, 45 and when they[fn] did not find him,[fn] they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. 46 And it happened that after three days they found him in the temple courts,[fn] sitting in the midst of the teachers and listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his insight and his[fn] answers. 48 And when they[fn] saw him, they were astounded and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you done this to us? Look, your father and I have been searching for you anxiously!” 49 And he said to them, “Why[fn] were you searching for me? Did you not know that it was necessary for me to be in the house[fn] of my Father?” 50 And they did not understand the statement that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was submitting to them. And his mother treasured all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus was advancing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and with people.