The Twelve-Year-Old Jesus in the Temple by Carl Bloch

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Luke 2:41-52

Luke 2 41

His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.

Luke 2 42

When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast,

Luke 2 43

and 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,

Luke 2 44

but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances.

Luke 2 45

When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him.

Luke 2 46

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.

Luke 2 47

All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Luke 2 48

When 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.”

Luke 2 49

He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

Luke 2 50

They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them.

Luke 2 51

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

Luke 2 52

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.