The Way
Twelve, in His Father's House
The boy found after three days, in his Father's house
Story
Every year when Passover came, Joseph and Mary went up to Jerusalem. The year Jesus turned twelve, they went on the pilgrimage as was the custom. When the feast was over, people turned for home. Thinking the boy was somewhere among their company, his parents walked a full day's journey. All the while, the boy Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem.
But however hard they searched among their relatives and friends, the boy was nowhere to be found. Frantic, his parents went back to Jerusalem, and after three days they found their son in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.
His mother came to him and said, child, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in such distress. Jesus answered. Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house? His parents did not understand what he meant. He went down with them to Nazareth and lived in obedience to them. Mary treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?
Child, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been searching for you in such distress.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Lk 2:41–52
Background
Galileans made the pilgrimage in large village caravans, so a child's absence could go unnoticed for a day. Nazareth to Jerusalem was a walk of three or four days.
Pause and Reflect
These days, what does my heart dwell on longer than God?