Jesus In The Temple

Every year at the time of Passover feast, Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem. When Jesus was twelve years old, he went with them.

After the feast was over, Mary and Joseph began the long walk back to Nazareth with their family and friends. Now that he was twelve, Jesus could travel with the men, but at the end of the day, Mary began to wonder why she had not seen him at all.

Mary found Joseph. "Have you seen Jesus?" She asked.

"No, Mary," Joseph answered. "I thought he was with you!"

Mary and Joseph searched for Jesus among their friends and relatives, but they did not find him. So they hurried back to Jerusalem. Jerusalem was a big city, not like tiny Nazareth, where everyone knew everyone else. Mary was worried, and although Joseph tried to calm Mary’s fears, he was anxious as well.

After three days of searching, Mary and Joseph went to the temple courts where Simeon had blessed them years before. And there was Jesus, talking to the learned men in the temple. Everyone listening was amazed by his understanding of God’s law.

"Jesus, where have you been?" Mary asked, relieved to finally find him. "Your father and I have been looking for you everywhere!"

"Mother," Jesus replied, "didn’t you know that I would be in my father’s house?"

Neither Mary nor Joseph understood what Jesus meant; they were simply glad to know that he was safe. Together the little family returned the Nazareth. Mary remembered everything she had seen and heard, treasuring the memories in her heart. And Jesus continued growing wise and strong, obeying Mary and Joseph and pleasing God.

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(From Classic Bible Stories, A Family Treasury retold by Lise Caldwell (c) 1998 Standard Publishing.  Used by permission.  This book may be purchased at your local Christian Bookstore or from Standard Publishing (800-543-1301).