JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.

: New Testament Stories

When Jesus was twelve years of age, His parents took Him with them to

Jerusalem to the feast of the Passover. Great numbers journeyed from

different parts to keep this feast; and travelled in companies or

caravans, the women and old men riding on asses or mules, and the rest

going on foot. Thus Joseph and Mary, with Jesus, left Nazareth, and

with many others journeyed to Jerusalem, where they kept the Passover.


br /> When the feast was ended, as they returned homewards, Joseph and Mary

discovered that Jesus was missing; but supposing Him to have been

somewhere among the company, they continued their first day's short

journey. When, however, evening came, and the caravan halted, and

Jesus was nowhere to be found, His parents sorrowfully returned to

Jerusalem seeking Him. At last, on the third day, they went to the

Temple, and found Jesus sitting in the midst of the aged and learned

Jewish doctors, both hearing them and asking them questions. "And all

that heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers."



His parents were amazed when they saw Jesus in such company. But Mary,

while she rejoiced at finding Him, gently said, "Son, why hast Thou

thus dealt with us? Behold Thy father and I have sought Thee

sorrowing." Jesus replied, "How is it that ye sought Me? Wist ye not

that I must be about My Father's business?"



Jesus was the Son of God, and doing God's work was being about His

Father's business. Years afterwards He said, "I came not to do Mine

own will, but the will of Him that sent Me."



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