Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 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.But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. Luke 2:41-45

Not alot is known about the childhood of Jesus, but one story we do know is from when Jesus was 12 here in Luke Chapter 2. Every year Mary and Joseph would travel to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast , which was a custom of the Jews. Little did they know that Jesus is the Passover Lamb. The Lamb that everyone came to Jerusalem to slain was with them, the Son of God who would take the sin of the world

During their trip Jesus stayed behind in the Temple because he was having deep conversations with the religious leaders. Mary and Joseph didn’t realize Jesus wasn’t with them right away, because they were traveling home in a large group, which would be normal and saferer for everyone. However once they realized Jesus was missing they headed back to Jerusalem to find him

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. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 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. Luke 2:46-48

Notice the symbolic number of 3 days, Jesus was in the Temple learning and teaching with the religious leaders. Notice the KJV uses the term “in the midst of doctors” that’s because these religious leaders were the top teachers of The Law. These men that were present were the teachers of teachers. 

But notice they were all astonished as his understanding and answers. Remember Jesus was only 12 years old at the time. How did this boy have such great knowledge about God? We all know the answer, think about this Jesus was teaching these religious leaders about the Messiah, teaching them about himself. Yet many still failed to recognize him in their midst!

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Luke 2:49-51

When Mary and Joseph found him in the Temple, notice Jesus response “Did you not know I will be in my Fathers Business or House” Jesus called God his Father, you would think that would give everyone a clue, however it said they didnt understand what Jesus was saying

However notice Marys response, she kept all of Jesus sayings in heart and pondered them. She knew who Jesus is, she knew Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ child. She knew Jesus is Immanuel, the fulfillment of Isaiah! Amen!