Chapter 19: Jesus in the Temple

1When Jesus was twelve years old, his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover, according to custom. But as they were returning, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, and his parents did not know it.

2Assuming that he was in the traveling company, they went a day’s journey and searched for him among the relatives they knew. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem and searched for him there.

3After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and questioning them. Those who heard him were surprised at how he questioned the elders and explained the main points of the law, as well as the riddles and parables of the prophets.

4His mother said to him, “Child, what have you done to us? Look, we have been searching for you in pain and grief.”

5Jesus said, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that it is necessary for me to be in the place of my Father?”

6The scribes and Pharisees said to Mary, “Are you the mother of this child?”

7She said, “I am.”

8They said to her, “Blessed are you, for the Lord God has blessed the fruit of your womb, because we have never seen such wisdom of praise and glory of virtue.”

9Jesus stood up and followed his mother from there, and he was obedient to his parents. She treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.

10Jesus advanced in wisdom, maturity, and grace before God and humans. To him belongs the glory ….