When Jesus was twelve years old, His parents, Joseph and Mary, travelled with Him to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, as was their custom. After the celebration ended, they began their journey back home, assuming Jesus was among the group of relatives and friends traveling together.

But Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem, without His parents realizing it. After a full day’s journey, they began searching for Him among the travellers, only to discover He was missing. Alarmed, they returned to Jerusalem and searched for Him for three days.

Finally, they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers—listening to them and asking questions. All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His insightful answers, even at such a young age.

Mary hurried to Him and said, “Son, why have You treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You.”

Jesus replied, “Why were you searching for Me? Didn’t you know I must be in My Father’s house, about My Father’s work?” Yet they did not fully understand His words.

He then returned with them to Nazareth and lived in obedience to His parents. As He grew, He matured in wisdom and stature, and He was well regarded by all who knew Him. God’s favour rested upon Him.