42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up, as their way was, to the feast; 43 And when the days of the feast came to an end and they were going back, the boy Jesus was still in Jerusalem, but they had no knowledge of it: 44 And in the belief that he was with some of their number, they went a day's journey; and after looking for him among their relations and friends, 45 And seeing that he was not there, they went back to Jerusalem, to make search for him. 46 And after three days they came across him in the Temple, seated among the wise men, giving ear to their words and putting questions to them. 47 And all to whose ears it came were full of wonder at his knowledge and the answers which he gave. 48 And when they saw him they were surprised, and his mother said to him, Son, why have you done this to us? see, your father and I have been looking for you with sorrow. 49 And he said to them, Why were you looking for me? was it not clear to you that my right place was in my Father's house? 50 And his words seemed strange to them. 51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth; and did as he was ordered: and his mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus was increasing in wisdom and in years, and in grace before God and men.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 2:42-52
Commentary on Luke 2:41-52
(Read Luke 2:41-52)
It is for the honour of Christ that children should attend on public worship. His parents did not return till they had stayed all the seven days of the feast. It is well to stay to the end of an ordinance, as becomes those who say, It is good to be here. Those that have lost their comforts in Christ, and the evidences of their having a part in him, must bethink themselves where, and when, and how they lost them, and must turn back again. Those that would recover their lost acquaintance with Christ, must go to the place in which he has put his name; there they may hope to meet him. They found him in some part of the temple, where the doctors of the law kept their schools; he was sitting there, hearkening to their instructions, proposing questions, and answering inquiries, with such wisdom, that those who heard were delighted with him. Young persons should seek the knowledge of Divine truth, attend the ministry of the gospel, and ask such questions of their elders and teachers as may tend to increase their knowledge. Those who seek Christ in sorrow, shall find him with the greater joy. Know ye not that I ought to be in my Father's house; at my Father's work; I must be about my Father's business. Herein is an example; for it becomes the children of God, in conformity to Christ, to attend their heavenly Father's business, and make all other concerns give way to it. Though he was the Son of God, yet he was subject to his earthly parents; how then will the foolish and weak sons of men answer it, who are disobedient to their parents? However we may neglect men's sayings, because they are obscure, yet we must not think so of God's sayings. That which at first is dark, may afterwards become plain and easy. The greatest and wisest, those most eminent, may learn of this admirable and Divine Child, that it is the truest greatness of soul to know our own place and office; to deny ourselves amusements and pleasures not consistent with our state and calling.