42 and when he became twelve years old, they having gone up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, 43 and having finished the days, in their returning the child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother did not know, 44 and, having supposed him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and were seeking him among the kindred and among the acquaintances, 45 and not having found him, they turned back to Jerusalem seeking him. 46 And it came to pass, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and questioning them, 47 and all those hearing him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48 And, having seen him, they were amazed, and his mother said unto him, 'Child, why didst thou thus to us? lo, thy father and I, sorrowing, were seeking thee.' 49 And he said unto them, 'Why 'is it' that ye were seeking me? did ye not know that in the things of my Father it behoveth me to be?' 50 and they did not understand the saying that he spake to them, 51 and he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and he was subject to them, and his mother was keeping all these sayings in her heart, 52 and Jesus was advancing in wisdom, and in stature, and in favour with 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.