Parent and Family Background
At Passover, the Jewish people celebrated God’s freeing the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. Many Jews celebrated Passover by coming to Jerusalem. The people traveled in caravans. Traveling together provided safety and support on the long journey.
When Jesus was twelve years old, he went to Jerusalem with his parents and other relatives for Passover. Like other Jewish boys, he learned the ancient Jewish religious traditions from his family. He was taught and practiced the Law of Moses, the Torah.
The Boy Jesus
Luke 2:41-47
When Jesus was twelve years old, he went with his parents to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. This was a custom of the Jewish people. After the days of the festival were over, the people left Jerusalem in large crowds.
Mary and Joseph thought that Jesus was traveling with them in the large crowd. However, Jesus had stayed behind in Jerusalem. As they journeyed, Mary and Joseph looked for Jesus among their relatives and acquaintances. When they could not find him, they returned to Jerusalem.
Mary and Joseph found Jesus three days later. He was sitting in the temple in the midst of the teachers. Jesus listened to the teachers and asked them questions. All who heard Jesus were astonished.
Mary said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”
Jesus said, “Why were you looking for me? Don’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
But Mary and Joseph did not understand what Jesus had said. Then Jesus got up and went with his parents to Nazareth.
Connecting to Faith First - Legacy Edition
Grade 3, chapter 5
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 6
Connecting to Faith First®
Grade 1, chapter 4
Grade 3, chapter 5
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, chapter 7