Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
— Luke 2:41-50 (NIV)
At the age of twelve, Jesus did something unexpected that left His parents both astonished and confused. After attending the Festival of the Passover in Jerusalem, His parents left the city, unaware that Jesus had stayed behind. When they realized He was missing, they returned to Jerusalem and searched for Him for three days. Finally, they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, asking questions and astounding everyone with His wisdom. In this moment, Jesus gave an answer that would reveal His growing understanding of His divine calling: "Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?"
Jesus’ response, though puzzling to Mary and Joseph, points us to a deeper truth about His identity. He was not simply the son of Mary and Joseph, but the Son of God, and His purpose on earth was beginning to take shape. Jesus, even at a young age, was already aware of His mission to do the will of His Father in heaven. His devotion to His Father's house—the temple—was a reflection of His commitment to God’s plan and His growing understanding of His divine purpose.
For Mary and Joseph, this experience was a moment of confusion and even frustration. However, it also provided an opportunity to reflect on the truth of who Jesus was. As parents, they had been entrusted with the care of the Son of God, and this moment was an invitation for them to deepen their own understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission. It reminds us that, as we journey through Advent, we too are invited to pause and reflect on the true nature of Jesus. He is not just the baby born in Bethlehem; He is the Savior of the world, sent to fulfill the will of His Father.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the example of Jesus’ devotion to Your will, even from a young age. Help us to seek You first in all things and to make space for Your presence in our lives. When we face confusion or uncertainty, may we, like Mary and Joseph, return to You in prayer, knowing that You are always with us, guiding us toward Your purpose. Amen.
Reflection Questions
These questions are designed to help you reflect more deeply on the themes of trust, obedience, and waiting on God’s timing during Advent.
- What does Jesus' response to His parents ("Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?") reveal about His understanding of His purpose on earth?
- How do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they found Jesus in the temple? How can their example of seeking Jesus during times of confusion inspire us today?
- How can you make space in your life to be "in your Father’s house"—whether physically, mentally, or spiritually—during this Advent season?