(41) Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. (42) And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, after the custom of the feast. (43) And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. (44) But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. (45) And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. (46) And it came to pass, that after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. (47) And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. (48) And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. (49) And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? (50) And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.
As in the preceding verses we were introduced into an acquaintance with Christ's abased state, so here we are brought into a short, but blessed view of his exaltation and glory. The men of Israel were obliged to go up three times in a year before the Lord at Jerusalem, at the great feasts; but the women were not enjoined to this service. Deuteronomy 16:16. However, we find Mary, on this occasion, accompanying her husband at the Passover. Nazareth was distant from Jerusalem about three days journey. It is refreshing to behold, how holy men of old delighted in attending the feasts at Jerusalem. And as they were figurative of Gospel mercies, especially the Pass over, there can be no doubt but that the Holy Ghost accompanied those services with a sweet savor of Christ. And the Lord Jesus, at twelve years of age, accompanying his mother and Joseph, becomes a blessed recommendation to the children of believing parents to have an early relish for divine things. Neither doth the conduct of Joseph and Mary, seeking for Jesus among their kinsfolk and acquaintance, bring with it a subject of less profitable instruction. Where should we seek Jesus, but among his people? Song of Solomon 1:7-8
But the most interesting part in what is here said, is the engagement in which Joseph and Mary found Jesus, after a three days' search in the midst of the doctors, and the answer the Lord made to Mary's question. How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And though they understood not the saying, yet, Reader! You and I, under divine teaching, may. What business could the Lord Jesus then be upon, but the very business which brought him first from heaven, in the redemption of his Church and People? Here then was the opening of it. Here a breaking forth for the moment appeared of that zeal which for his Father's house had eaten him up. Psalms 69:9. and which afterwards appeared in full glory. John 2:12. to the end. A more decided proof could never be desired, in testimony of Christ's mission, than in such an instance. Jesus gently reproved both his mother and Joseph by his answer, in that, after all that had been told them, and especially his mother, they should not instantly have concluded where he was, and how engaged. Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? As if Jesus had said, in the temple, my Father's house, I enter upon that business for which I became incarnate; to fulfil the whole law; to satisfy divine justice; to bring in an everlasting righteousness; and by conquering sin, Satan, death, hell, and the grave; to save my people from their sins!