The Boy Jesus in the Temple

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. 43 And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, 44 but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:41-52

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The Boy Jesus in the Temple
The Lord Jesus must be about his Father’s work. He must be found completing and conforming to the will of the Father. The Holy Family makes the trip to Jerusalem for the Passover. Jesus comes as the very Passover Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. When in Jerusalem he goes to the place of God’s promised presence. The religious establishment has never seen anything like this, though. Jesus is the very Torah that they teach. He is the Word incarnate and he teaches with authority. He asks questions and leads them in ways they have never been questioned or led. He knows the Father and they do not. He is a boy and they are grown men. They, you, me, we must all become like the little children or we won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He grows up to complete the Law by going forth to the cross. There he fulfills and completes every prophecy of old. He completes every Law. There is no jot or tittle left undone. There is no man or woman left out. His blood covers all sin. His work is the Father’s work and his will is complete in Jesus.