41 Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover . 42 And when He became twelve , they went up there according to the custom of the Feast ; 43 and as they were returning , after spending the full number of days , the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem . But His parents were unaware e of it, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan , and went a day's journey ; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances . 45 When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. 46 Then , after three days they found Him in the temple , sitting in the midst of the teachers , both listening to them and asking them questions . 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers . 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 have been anxiously looking for You." 49 And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" 50 But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth , and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart . 52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature , and in favor with God and men .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 2:41-52
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.