Event · Jesus and the Gospels
The boy Jesus in the temple
The boy Jesus in the templeLuke 2:41–52About AD 7-8
At twelve Jesus stays behind in the temple, listening and asking questions; he returns home and grows in wisdom.
- Main passage Luke 2:41–52
People JesusJoseph of NazarethMary, mother of Jesus
- Place in the order
- Explicit biblical sequence Scripture itself gives the order of these events.
- Historical setting
- About AD 7-8 Approximate historical setting
Twelve years after the birth (Luke 2:42), so dated by the birth.
Stories and studies Jesus as a Boy at the Temple
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Luke 2:41–52 WEB
41His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast; 43and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it, 44but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey; and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When they saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.” 49He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them. 51And he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.